Questions answered
What is the Stop Black AIDS campaign? Why is it needed?
The alarming figures of HIV infections among black Americans have prompted TheLoop21.com to partner with the Magic Johnson Foundation to raise awareness and promote discussion of a disturbing reality threatening the development of black communities.
The Stop Black AIDS campaign represents an effort to spark a new wave of interaction among readers, organizations, community and government leaders. A special online report headed by bloggers and social media channels will raise the level of cooperation among those who can take necessary measures to minimize this epidemic.
In addition, the campaign includes a panel discussion in New York City where experts on the matter will be able to exchange perspectives and refine a strategy to tackle the issue.
Rooted in deep purpose, the Stop Black AIDS campaign is a much-needed driving force towards the improvement of black health and family life.
How does HIV/AIDS affect the black community compared to other races?
According to the 2000 census, African Americans comprise 13 percent of the entire U.S. population. Every year about 40,000 Americans become infected with HIV/AIDS and approximately 50 percent of them are black.
Studies show the rate of HIV/AIDS diagnosis for black Americans is 10 times the rate of whites and three times that of Hispanics.
One in 16 black men and one in 30 black women will be diagnosed HIV positive at some point in his or her lifetime. Among other social threats, high infection rates jeopardize the future of black families.
How bad is it really?
In 2002, HIV was the third leading cause of death for African Americans between the ages of 25 and 44.
If HIV/AIDS continues along its current path of destruction within black communities, ramifications could be disastrous. Families will continue to be broken, more people will be homeless, more children will grow up in dysfunctional households and a further decimation of black youth will take place.
Experts are beginning to compare black U.S. HIV infection rates with that of several African nations. This issue is a real threat that must be tackled before it gains more momentum.
