HIV: The New Apocalypse

Thousands of African Americans have died in the wake of the AIDS epidemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, AIDS is the leading cause of death among African Americans. African Americans die from HIV/AIDS related illnesses more than any other disease or race.

Religious, economic, and social obstacles have increased the inequality in healthcare. There is a stigma that surrounds the African American community as it pertains to HIV/AIDS. This stigma prevents African Americans from obtaining accurate information on prevention and combating the disease. In many cases African Americans are diagnosed too late, receive inadequate care, and benefit last from new treatments.

Because of the global HIV/AIDS epidemic, it is imperative to educate, and strengthen our people. It's time for everyone to address the HIV/AIDS crisis in our communities. Because there are so many intricacies of HIV /AIDS treatment, opportunistic infections, and social issues, it's time we know the facts.

The starling facts are, HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death among Black women ages 25 to 34? Black women represent 64% of all new AIDS cases among women in the US. Did you know AIDS for Black people is 8 times that of White people? Did you know that millions and millions of people around the world have died at the hands of AIDS?

You ask what is HIV/AIDS? HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. HIV stops the body's ability to fight infections, cancers and many other diseases. Many people have been infected for years without any symptoms. Even though there are no symptoms present, HIV can still be passed to others. AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. AIDS is the last and fatal stage of the HIV disease.

How is HIV/AIDS spread? HIV is spread by unprotected sexual contact with an infected person, sharing syringes with someone infected, or through blood transfusions.

Now that we know what it is and how it's spread, why are our women, our people are still dieing at catastrophic rates? It's because of social and cultural conditioning. The problem is institutional and internalized homophobia with brathas living on the Down Low. It is misinterpreted scriptures and hypocritical religion. The problem is the lack of accurate information, economic and health care disparities. The problem is the continued belief that HIV/AIDS is a Gay White Male Disease!

It is entirely up to us to confront and combat these issues. We can prevent and stop this systematic destruction of our people. Get involved and save the future of your race! People always ask, what can I do, I'm just one person? Well, you can start by volunteering at Black organizations that are fighting the war on AIDS. You can donate, write for a publication, or deliver a meal. Engage your friends, family, church, etc. Get everyone you know involved.

We as a community must unite as one. We must find ways to collectively end this new African Holocaust. It is every Black woman, man, and child's responsibility to fight HIV/AIDS in our communities. Knowledge is our power. There is no armor quite like knowledge.

HIV/AIDS is swallowing our race at massive proportions. It has spread through our communities because of homophobia and not enough African Americans are trying to prevent it! Get the knowledge, and then get involved. Use yourself, your voice to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS