Overview of

1
Overview ofA Heightened National Response to
the HIV/AIDS Crisis Among African AmericansCDC,
March 2007

• Presentation to HPPC
• May 10, 2007

2
Such a heightened response must focus on 4 main
areas

• (1) expanding the reach of prevention services,
• (2) increasing opportunities for diagnosing and
  treating HIV,
• (3) developing new, effective prevention
  interventions, and
• (4) mobilizing broader community action.

3
Complex Factors Influencing HIV Transmission

• History of racism, oppression, and lack of trust
  in governmental institutions
• Homophobia discourages black MSM from identifying
  themselves as gay or bisexual
• Stigma related to an HIV diagnosis
• Denial about HIV
• Higher rates of gonorrhea, chlamydia, and
  syphilis than other racial groups
• History of incarceration linked to drugs and high
  risk sex

4
CDCs HIV Prevention Programs for African
Americans

• CDCs 2007 HIV prevention program budget 652
  m almost half is directed to programs designed
  for African Americans.
• Majority of existing resources directed to
  intensified efforts among African Americans,
  e.g., a total of 35.7 million in new funds were
  available in 2006 and 2007 and 63, or 22.4
  million, of these funds were directed to African
  American communities.
• CDC anticipates significantly expanding HIV
  testing efforts to reach these communities with
  the 63 million domestic HIV prevention
  initiative proposed in the Presidents FY 2008
  budget.

5
To make significant impact on reducing high
rates of HIV/AIDS

• Focus on intensifying efforts to make sure that
  prevention services reach those most in need
• Promote early diagnosis and treatment of HIV/AIDS
• Ensure effective risk-reduction interventions for
  African American populations, and
• Mobilize African American communities to become
  more aware of this health threat and how they can
  prevent infections and stay healthy.