African Americans in Louisiana become infected with HIV more than any other racial or ethnic group, reflecting a national trend. As part of an effort to combat that trend and raise awareness, the seventh annual observance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day will be held Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2007.

Year after year, reports across the country continue to show the number of people living with HIV/AIDS continues to increase. AIDS is a national public health threat which has had a significant impact in Louisiana, where the infection rate is over six times higher in African Americans than Caucasians.

In the United States, about half of the estimated 40,000 new HIV/AIDS infections annually occur among African Americans, even though the group only accounts for 13 percent of the U.S. population. In addition, African Americans account for 40 percent of the 944,306 estimated AIDS cases diagnosed since the beginning of the epidemic.

In Louisiana, 10,036 African Americans are living with HIV/AIDS as of December 31, 2006. Of those cases, 64 percent are male and 36 percent are female.

African Americans make up 32 percent of the state’s population; however

• 73 percent of new HIV cases are African American

• 66 percent of all persons living with HIV/AIDS are African American

The goals of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day are to motivate African Americans to get educated regarding the transmission of HIV/AIDS, get tested and know their HIV status, get involved in their local community and get treated if they are currently living with HIV or are newly diagnosed.

Events are planned statewide for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, as well as for the entire month of February. These events are aimed at getting stakeholders involved in HIV prevention education programs, testing, community forums and other activities to raise awareness and support among African Americans. Similar events will also be taking place throughout the country.

For more information, please contact the Louisiana Statewide HIV/STD Infoline at 800-99-AIDS-9 or 504-568-7474.

Submitted by Rob Anderson. Filed under Disparities

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