A Critical Analysis of HIV Rates in the Black MSM Community
Abstract
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency
Syndrome (AIDS) are considered global pandemics (CDC, 2006). A pandemic is an
epidemic of disease or other health condition that occurs over a widespread area (multiple
countries or continents) and usually affects a sizable part of the population (NIH, 2011).
HIV is affecting communities around the globe, but this discussion will be specific to the
United States. While HIV/AIDS is a global pandemic, the Center for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) states that HIV/AIDS is considered an epidemic within the United
States (CDC, 2012). There are currently 1.2 million people in the United States who are
living with HIV and it is estimated that nearly 20% of those infected are unaware of their
infection (CDC, 20 12). One of the most troubling factors about HIV infections in the US
is the disproportionate nature of infections throughout different demographic groups. I
argue that the extremely high rate of new infections within the Black MSM (men who
have sex with men) community is the effect of different forms of oppression and
inequality embedded deeply within society and the health care system; this is something
that must change.