Among Blacks who had been diagnosed with HIV, 75 percent were linked to care, 48 percent stayed in care, 46 percent were prescribed antiretroviral therapy, and 35 percent achieved viral suppression (i.e., the virus is under control at a level that helps keep people healthy and reduces the risk of transmitting the virus to others), the report shows. Black males had lower levels of care and viral suppression than Black females, and those who were younger (under the age of 25) had lower levels than those who were older.
“Our data tells us that treatment can help people with HIV live longer, healthier lives and helps prevent the transmission of the virus to others,” McCree said. “We’re excited about these data because it gives us a snapshot around what’s going on around treatment and care within African-American communities. And given the disproportionate rates of HIV within African-American communities, it’s critical that we make individuals aware of their status so they can get their virus under control.”
Indeed, Dr. Vanessa Cullins, vice president for external medical affairs at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, agrees that National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is important.
“This day is extremely important because it helps to raise awareness about HIV and AIDs,” she told NewsOne. “It’s important to re-emphasize the importance of prevention and the importance of knowing your HIV status and knowing the HIV status of your sexual partner. We have been trying for years to destigmatize HIV/AIDS and periodic testing. This particular day is important because African Americans are disproportionately affected by HIV infections and AIDS and disproportionately affected by death as a result of AIDS. This is a day to shine a spotlight on the need to prevent HIV. HIV infection is highly preventable.”
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HIV-Positive Black Men Receive Lower Levels Of Care Than Black Women was originally published on newsone.com
