Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

Abstract

During 2001–2004, the estimated annual number of cases of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficieny syndrome (HIV/AIDS) among blacks decreased in the 33 states with long-term, confidential, name-based HIV reporting (1). However, the impact of HIV among blacks remained disproportionately high compared with other racial/ethnic populations. Blacks made up approximately 13 % of the population in the 33 reporting states yet accounted for approximately 49 % of persons who had a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS (1). Of the estimated 1 million persons living with HIV/AIDS in the United States at the end of 2003, nearly half (47%) were black (1). AIDS is a leading cause of death for blacks, who die sooner after AIDS diagnoses than persons in other racial/ethnic populations (1), suggesting that blacks are more likely to receive a diagnosis late in the course of disease or to have less access to therapies that can preserve health and prolong life. February 7 is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. To address the racial disparity in occurrence of HIV/AIDS, CDC conducts research and programs for HIV prevention among blacks. Examples include partnering with community leaders and organizations to mobilize against HIV/AIDS, expanding the reach of effective HIVprevention programs (2), conducting the Minority AIDS Research Initiative, and implementing social marketing campaigns focused on the importance of HIV testing.