National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

On February 23, 2001, the first annual National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day was organized. NBHAAD is now recognized on February 7th of each year.

The HIV/AIDS epidemic is not over, while African-Americans make up 12% of the United States population, and account for half of the new HIV cases reported in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (HIV/AIDS among African-Americans Key Facts. 2003). HIV/AIDS is devastating Black people in Africa and America - and we must act now to turn this epidemic of our time around.

Overall, it is estimated that half of new HIV infections occur among teenagers and young adults aged 25 years and younger. Numerous studies suggest that African American young people represent the majority of these infections.

In the early 1980s, HIV/AIDS was primarily considered a gay white disease in the United States. Today, however, the HIV epidemic infects and affects African-Americans more than any other population. Its not who you are, but what you do that puts you at risk for HIV HIV/AIDS. HIV is transmitted through four fluids:

• vaginal
• semen
• blood
• breast milk

Persons are at risk for acquiring HIV through unsafe sex with an HIV infected person; sharing needles with an HIV infected person; and through breast milk of an HIV positive mother.

What can you do?

• Learn more about HIV/AIDS and how it is transmitted
• Get involved with your local community-based organization (s)
• Get tested for HIV and know your status
• Protect yourself while engaging in sex with someone
  

Thanks to the National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness & Information Day for the use of this story. More information is available online at www.blackaidsday.org.

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