National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day focuses on persistent disparities

Observed since 1999, National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day highlights that Black Americans made up about 38% of U.S. HIV diagnoses in 2023 while comprising roughly 14% of the population, and it draws attention to ongoing gaps in testing, treatment linkage, and prevention access.

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, observed each Feb. 7 since 1999, is intended to highlight prevention, routine testing, and early care for Black communities. The day draws attention to continued disparities in who is diagnosed, who receives treatment promptly, and who achieves viral suppression. Recent data show disproportionate rates of diagnosis and death among Black Americans, and experts point to a mix of economic, access, and historical factors. Public and policy discussions have noted gaps in prevention tools and the effects of criminalization on testing and stigma. Key facts: - Black Americans made up about 38% of HIV diagnoses in 2023 while representing roughly 14% of the U.S. population, according to CDC data reported in the article. - The article reports a diagnosis rate of about 42 per 100,000 for Black Americans versus 13.7 per 100,000 overall, and that Black people accounted for 43% of HIV-related deaths among those 13 and older. - Care and prevention gaps noted include lower rates of linkage to care and viral suppression for Black people (reported as 64% linked to care and 53% virally suppressed at the end of 2022) and lower PrEP uptake (Black people were reported as 14% of PrEP users in 2022). - The article cites historical abuses and ongoing distrust of the medical system, as well as reporting that HIV criminalization has disproportionately affected Black Americans, and that reform efforts have been discussed. Summary: The disproportionate burden means Black communities continue to face higher diagnosis and death rates and face barriers to consistent care and prevention. Policymakers, researchers, and community groups are reported as discussing changes to law, access, and outreach to address those gaps. Undetermined at this time.