HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death in the African-American community for men and women. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, 49 percent of African- Americans are contracting HIV/AIDS and only account for 13 percent of the U.S. population. African-Americans have been hit the hardest with a rising number of deaths attributed to the disease. The study also revealed provocative reasons to why this vibrant community is continuing to lose an alarming number of people. Reasons to why these barriers could be a possible roadblock have been proposed.
FEAR– Negative attitudes, beliefs and stigmas may exist and prevent more education and proper assistance for health care and training for individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
POVERTY– Individuals lacking proper health care insurance and funding to pay for health care in poor stricken communities often ignore routine doctor visits and necessary testing.
The passing of President Obama’s health care bill is a positive sign for individuals to receive better health care. Having the proper resources and education, people can receive the health care assistance they need and hopefully prevent the numbers to escalate with people infected with HIV/AIDS.
HIV/AIDS is not a white, gay, or male disease. The African American community must further explore ways to raise awareness and educate to prevent the uphill rise of the HIV/AIDS rate.
