People of African descent still more at risk for HIV/AIDS
Leethaniel Brumfield
Issue date: 2/13/08 Section: News
An HIV/AIDS diagnosis is steadily becoming the new "Scarlet Letter" among people of African descent because of the stigma associated with the virus. During National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, which was observed on Feb. 7, this problem and others were addressed.
HIV/AIDS has grown into an international crisis. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), in 2006, an estimated 38 million people world-wide were reported to be infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. The most recent CDC statistics show that people of African descent are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. Although Blacks make up only 13 percent of the U.S. population, they account for more than 49 percent of AIDS cases. As of 2006, AIDS is now the leading cause of death for Black women ages 25 to 34, and the second leading cause of death for Black men ages 35 to 44.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 24.5 million of the 38 million people infected with HIV/AIDS reside in sub-Saharan Africa. Almost 3.8 million of these are children under the age of 15. In addition, between 2005 and 2010 the life expectancy of people in sub-Saharan Africa is expected to decrease from 59 years old to 45 years old, and in Zimbabwe from 61 years old to 33 years old.
Experts say that perhaps the main reason the virus continues to spread is the ignorance, fear and shame that still surrounds it.
In commemoration of National Black HIV/AIDS Day 2008, BET featured a compelling documentary titled "Stigma: The Silent Killer," which was full of insightful interviews with a wide-range of people who know HIV/AIDS and its stigma first-hand, including celebrities like Magic Johnson who have HIV, and others who've lost loved ones to the disease like rap star Jim Jones and R&B artist Mario. Pastors, physicians, and activists also shared their opinions on how and why an HIV diagnosis carries such a heavy stigma. "Stigma: The Silent Killer" also showcased moving stories from everyday people living with AIDS/HIV.
The show premiered on BET on Feb. 10. Re-airs are scheduled to follow.
HIV/AIDS has grown into an international crisis. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), in 2006, an estimated 38 million people world-wide were reported to be infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. The most recent CDC statistics show that people of African descent are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. Although Blacks make up only 13 percent of the U.S. population, they account for more than 49 percent of AIDS cases. As of 2006, AIDS is now the leading cause of death for Black women ages 25 to 34, and the second leading cause of death for Black men ages 35 to 44.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 24.5 million of the 38 million people infected with HIV/AIDS reside in sub-Saharan Africa. Almost 3.8 million of these are children under the age of 15. In addition, between 2005 and 2010 the life expectancy of people in sub-Saharan Africa is expected to decrease from 59 years old to 45 years old, and in Zimbabwe from 61 years old to 33 years old.
Experts say that perhaps the main reason the virus continues to spread is the ignorance, fear and shame that still surrounds it.
In commemoration of National Black HIV/AIDS Day 2008, BET featured a compelling documentary titled "Stigma: The Silent Killer," which was full of insightful interviews with a wide-range of people who know HIV/AIDS and its stigma first-hand, including celebrities like Magic Johnson who have HIV, and others who've lost loved ones to the disease like rap star Jim Jones and R&B artist Mario. Pastors, physicians, and activists also shared their opinions on how and why an HIV diagnosis carries such a heavy stigma. "Stigma: The Silent Killer" also showcased moving stories from everyday people living with AIDS/HIV.
The show premiered on BET on Feb. 10. Re-airs are scheduled to follow.
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