HIV and AIDS are a serious concern for all. However, statistics tell us that African Americans have good reason to be concerned and to become educated about the risks of HIV and AIDS.

Know the facts about HIV Diagnoses: While African Americans make up 12% of the U.S. population, they make up 50% of new HIV diagnoses. The rate did begin to slow in 2001 but the rate is still higher for African Americans than other races and ethnicities. Sixty two percent of diagnosis in African Americans are men.

Be knowledgeable about transmissions: For African American men, HIV is transmitted in highest numbers by male to male sexual contact, followed by heterosexual contact and drug injections. For females, HIV is transmitted in the highest numbers by heterosexual contact, followed by drug injections.

HIV and Children: 105 out 145 babies perinatal infected with HIV are African American. Of 48 children in the U.S. under thirteen who are diagnosed with HIV, 29 are African American.

Long Term Survival: Statisitics show that only 64% of African Americans are still living nine years after an HIV diagnosis. Other races have a 72% (Hispanic) to 81% (Asian) rate of survival after 9 years.

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