HIV Paper - due by 11pm tonight!
There are several inter-related health systems that encompass the prevention and care of HIV/AIDS. There are communities, health professionals, hospitals, clinics, and government agencies that have key roles and are participating in the battle of this chronic disease.
Despite all of the research and support in HIV/AIDS, it’s still a public health challenge with all of the racial and ethnic disparities in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1.2 million people are living with HIV in the United States. However, racial and ethnic populations bear a disproportionate burden of HIV/AIDS. African Americans are only 12% of the U.S. population, but represent 45% of HIV diagnoses. Hispanics are only 18% of the U.S. population, but represent 24% of HIV diagnoses. Also, the HIV mortality rate is higher among minority populations, with the highest number of new infections in men who have sex with men (MSM), then heterosexual women (CDC, 2018).
This will contribute to public health practice to prevent the racial and ethnic disparities that occur with HIV/AIDS patients. Reducing these disparities will ensure that patients have adequate access to care without any individual, physical or societal barriers. The main focus will be addressing the low HIV testing rates, the lack of access to primary healthcare, and the stigma that comes with HIV.
1. CDC. Estimated HIV incidence among adults and adolescents in the United States, 2007–2010 HIV Surveillance Supplemental Report 2012; 17 (No. 4). Retrieved from: http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/topics/surveillance/resources/reports/#supplemental. Published December 2012