HIV/AIDS Among Minorities in Georgia Report - 2003
HIV is a preventable disease that infects millions of people each year around the world. Anyone who engages in high-risk behaviors such as unprotected sexual contact and injection drug use is more likely to contract HIV.
In the United States, the HIV/AIDS epidemic has shifted from white men who have sex with men to minority communities. Minorities include African-Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Asians, Pacific Islanders, and American Indians/Alaska Natives. It is vital for these communities to prevent HIV infection and provide adequate services for people who are infected with HIV/AIDS. Additionally, minorities may be more affected by the disease because of a lack of HIV health education, risk reduction, limited access to treatment services, and discrimination. The stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS in minority communities maybe responsible for people not testing for HIV and seeking treatment.
The Office of Minority Health has published the “2003 HIV/AIDS Among Minorities in Georgia Report” to provide an update of this epidemic among minorities in Georgia and to provide an overview of statewide HIV prevention efforts.
The goal of this report is to provide information so minority communities can access major HIV/AIDS resources available in the state. It should be noted that only AIDS surveillance data was available for this report because identified HIV surveillance did not start in Georgia until December 31, 2003. However, anonymous HIV testing information was available, along with treatment information and behavioral surveys. AIDS is the last stage of HIV infection, and AIDS data provide information on who is not receiving treatment and testing early, as well as the effectiveness of HIV therapy. HIV data represent information on the most recent risk factors for HIV and the effectiveness of HIV prevention initiatives.
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