Currently, African-Americans are disproportionately affected by HIV, making up 62 percent of new diagnoses in 2009. African American men who have sex with men (MSM) are particularly at risk; black MSM ages 13 to 24 had a 93 percent increase in HIV diagnoses between 2001 and 2006. Between 2006-2009, new HIV cases among black MSM ages 13 to 29 increased 48 percent. According to the National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), many MSM, particularly black MSM and young MSM are unaware of their HIV status and unknowingly may transmit the virus to others.
A recent study found that 71 percent of HIV-positive black MSM younger than 30 did not know their status. Recent CDC analysis also found that HIV-positive, black MSM are half as likely to be on antiretrovirals (ARV) therapy as their white counterparts; people on ARV have lower viral loads and are less likely to transmit the virus.
While this is a huge problem among men, women are also suffering from HIV infection. The CDC estimated that the number of newly infected women in the U.S. increased from 2004-2007. It is estimated that 290,000 women above the age of 15 are living with HIV or AIDS in the U.S. The main way in which women get infected with HIV in the U.S. is through heterosexual sex, which accounts for around 72 percent of female HIV infections. The other main transmission route among women is through intravenous drug use, which accounts for 26 percent of HIV infections. African-American and Hispanic women account for 80 percent of HIV/AIDS cases in the U.S., even though they represent less than one fourth of all women. Generally in the Western world, the epidemic has had a disproportionate affect on minority women as well as female immigrants and refugees. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, many women with HIV are low-income and have important family responsibilities potentially complicating the management of their illness. Research suggests that HIV-positive women have more difficulty accessing care and experience disparities in access, relative to men.
HIV/AIDS and Women: the Facts
• There are approximately 1.1 million people living with HIV/AIDS in the U.S., including at least 290,000 women
• In 2009, there were 11,200 new HIV infections and 8,879 AIDS diagnoses among women
• There were 4,377 deaths among women with AIDS in 2008
• Black women accounted for 64% of estimated AIDS diagnoses among women aged 13 and older in 2009, but accounted for only 12% of the population
• Latinas aged 13 and older accounted for 18% of estimated AIDS diagnoses, but accounted for only 14% of the population
• The AIDS rate of diagnoses for black women in 2009 was 23 times the rate for white women
• Medicaid is a critical source of coverage for people with HIV/AIDS
• The CDC recommends routine HIV screening for all adults ages 13-64 and routine screening for those at high-risk at least annually.
Luckily, we have many options for testing here in Hampton Roads. Most places will now do a rapid test for HIV, where they swab your cheek and give you results within 20-30 minutes. However, a positive rapid test still requires a confirmatory blood test, as other immune disorders, like Lupus, could trigger a false positive. Once someone has gotten a positive test, it is very important to get into a treatment regimen as quickly as possible to preserve their health and to keep their viral load as low as possible, lowering the chances of transmitting the virus to others.
The best way to prevent an HIV infection is proper and consistent latex condom use. Condoms are available for free at Planned Parenthood health centers and the health department, and are available for purchase at almost every drug store, grocery store and gas station.
For more information, testing and other resources regarding HIV, please visit:
 • Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Virginia
757-499-PLAN (7526)
www.ppsev.org
• ACCESS AIDS Care
757-640-0929
www.accessaids.org
• Tidewater AIDS Community Taskforce (TACT)
757-583-1317
www.theaidsfund.org
• The Urban League of Hampton Roads
757-627-0864
www.ulhr.org
To learn more about Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Virginia, visit www.ppsev.org or call us at 499-PLAN (7536).
Erin Zabel is the director of marketing and public relations for PPSEV. She can be reached at 309-4834 or marketing@ppsev.org. | 
