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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, Feb. 7, 2002 |
Contact: | HHS Press Office (202) 690-6343 |
Through the support of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Community Capacity Building Coalition and the National Minority AIDS Initiative, the observance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is quickly gaining momentum throughout the country. And it's easy to see why.
African-Americans comprise just 12 percent of the population in the United States, yet account for an estimated 54 percent of all new HIV infections. Among African-Americans, gay and bisexual men, and young women are at greatest risk of HIV infection. In fact, CDC estimates that out of all new HIV infections in women, 64 percent are among African-American women. This disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS on the African-American community is a critical element in improving the nation's public health, and cause for concern on the part of all Americans.
HHS is dedicated to continuing the fight against this terrible epidemic. In fiscal year 2003, the President's budget request for HHS dedicates $410 million aimed at reducing the impact of HIV/AIDS for racial and ethnic minorities, including:
The National Institutes of Health is also working vigorously to address the AIDS epidemic in minority communities, with a fiscal year 2003 budget request of $530 million. The agency plans to develop new prevention and treatment interventions, improve research infrastructure and increase research and training opportunities for minorities. To find out more about this research, visit www.nih.gov/od/oar/public/pubs/fy2003/ix_racialandethnic.pdf.
National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is more than just about calling attention to illness. It underscores the urgent need for individuals and communities to mobilize against one of the world's most deadly diseases. To learn more about HIV/AIDS and its impact on African-Americans, visit our new Web sitewww.healthgap.omhrc.gov/hiv_aids.htm.
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