Wisconsin AIDS/HIV Program

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day 2012

February 7th is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, a day to consider the impact of HIV on the African American community. African Americans face the most severe burden of HIV of all racial/ethnic groups, both nationally and in Wisconsin. Despite representing only 6.3% of the state’s population, Blacks accounted for 47% of all new HIV infections diagnosed in Wisconsin in 2010. Blacks are also the only racial/ethnic group to experience an increase (of 22%) in cases from 2006 to 2010. All other racial/ethnic groups had declines in cases of at least 30%.

Gay and bisexual men of all races remain the group most impacted by HIV, however gay and bisexual African American men in Wisconsin have the highest rates of HIV of any demographic group. As many as 3 in 10 African American gay and bisexual men are living with HIV—a rate six times higher than that of White men who have sex with men. Less than 1% of women and heterosexual men of all racial/ethnic groups are living with HIV but rates in Black women and Black heterosexual men are seven to eight times higher than in Whites.

The theme for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day 2012 is "I am My Brother’s/Sister’s Keeper: Fight HIV/AIDS." The main objectives are to:

• educate and distribute information about HIV/AIDS locally;

• promote and provide HIV Testing;

• increase HIV/AIDS community mobilization and involvement efforts locally; and

• encourage linkage to care and treatment for those newly diagnosed with HIV and promote reengagement to care and treatment services for people living with HIV.

Consistent with this theme, the Wisconsin Division of Public Health AIDS/HIV Program works closely with the City of Milwaukee Health Department and community partners in Milwaukee to respond to the disproportionate impact of HIV among African Americans, including high rates of sexually transmitted diseases in Black youth.

Federal and private funds have increased in recent years to expand efforts to address HIV among African Americans but many challenges remain. Ongoing attention to this issue and effective collaboration remain critical.

To locate HIV resources in Wisconsin, including testing and treatment services, call 1-800-334-2437.