October 15 is National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD), a community mobilization that for more than 20 years has promoted effective ways to prevent, treat, and stop the spread of HIV among Latinos.
It has been reported that (HIV) and (AIDS) diagnoses in the United States have declined more than two-thirds since the height of the pandemic in the 1980s. While it’s true that HIV/AIDS doesn’t discriminate, race does play a role in infection rates, and Hispanic/Latino communities face high risks.
While Latinos make up approximately 19% of the U.S. population, they accounted for nearly one-third of all new HIV diagnoses in 2022. Notably, Latino gay men now represent the highest number of new HIV cases in the country, according to the most recent surveillance reports by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (source)
This year’s focus is to promote treatment among people living with HIV. Whether it’s one pill every day, or a long-acting injection every month, every two months, or every six months, what’s important to know is that treatment can help nuestra communidad to live a healthy life and it is available and accessible regardless of insurance and immigration status.
With this in mind, NLAAD’s theme for this year is “Start Treatment. Stick to It. Get better.”
Understanding the Risks
HIV/AIDS infection rates are highest among African Americans but Hispanic/Latino communities are not far behind. The biggest risks were among men who have sex with men; this group accounted for 69% of all new HIV diagnoses in the U.S. and 22% of new diagnoses in Hispanic/Latino communities, making it the biggest contributor to new HIV infections.
In addition to higher rates of infection, Hispanic/Latino communities also face barriers when it comes to receiving diagnosis and treatment, which affects disease outcomes.
Research also shows that birthplace affects risk factors. For those born in Puerto Rico, injection drug use is the biggest risk of HIV infection, while sexual contact between men is the main cause of HIV infection for those born in Mexico and the Hispanic/Latino population in the U.S.
Difficulty With Diagnosis
Although there is no cure for HIV/AIDS, there are screening tools and treatment options to help control HIV; treatment also helps suppress the virus and can make HIV undetectable, reducing the risk of transmitting the virus to others.
Hispanic and Latino communities across the United States are very diverse. Those who have lived in the country for a short time, have completed less formal education, or have limited English proficiency may be at a particular disadvantage when it comes to accessing HIV testing, prevention, and treatment services.
As a result, these communities are disproportionately affected by HIV. In 2019, Hispanic and Latino individuals accounted for 29 percent of new HIV diagnoses in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), despite making up 18.5 percent of the total population.
About The Coalition
Chispa is proud to be part of the initial members of U.S. Business Action to End HIV along with Ada Health, Avita, BLK, CVS Health, Gilead Sciences, Healthvana, National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, OraSure Technologies, The Powell Companies Real, Tinder, Uber, ViiV Healthcare, Walgreens, and Walmart.
Along with the participating companies, we are committed to making HIV a corporate priority and extending a call-to-action to other industry leaders; educating workers and fighting HIV stigma in the workplace; strengthening HIV coverage and non-discrimination policies for employees; advocating for improved HIV policies and system change; leveraging their capabilities to implement innovative strategies in communities most affected by HIV; and providing funding to strengthen the coalition’s public health response.
RESOURCES
To learn more, visit Latinx HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.
Together TakeMeHome, where you (U.S. residents + Puerto Rico, over 17) can order up to two free HIV self-tests and have them mailed to them at home. This resource is also available in Spanish.
You can also visit Greater Than HIV to learn more about HIV testing, prevention, and care.
Additionally, you can always visit the CDC for information about the Let's Stop HIV Together campaign.
ADDITIONAL READING
Comments