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Annual recognitions such as this, and this one in particular, remind us to mark our location in our battle to end AIDS in America, demand bold and calculated action and seize special opportunities that get us closer to stopping new infections and ending HIV/AIDS in the African-American community and throughout the U.S. Where are we in America? AIDS is still a leading cause of death for African-Americans and the leading cause of death for African-American women aged 24-34. Half of new HIV infections each year are among young people, and 56 percent of them are African-American. The President’s FY2009 budget is shameful in its recommended funding reductions. We still have no National AIDS Strategy although we require countries that receive U.S. funds for HIV/AIDS to have national plans. Infection rates of HIV are ramping up among African-American people, especially African-American gay and bisexual men and in some cities including New York and D.C., young African-American gay men. What can we do in America? In this election year, we call for the next President to create a National AIDS Strategy with measurable outcomes, a specific timeline and adequate funding to address HIV/AIDS as a domestic priority. And we call for head-on action to address stigma, discrimination and denial that inhibit enacting the most effective interventions to deal directly with HIV prevention, education, testing, treatment, care and research, especially to curb the devastating effect of this disease on people in Black communities. How can we seize special opportunities in America? Both of the Democratic and one of the three leading Republican Presidential candidates have committed to creating a National AIDS Strategy. Visit www.NationalAIDSstrategy.org to learn what you can do to help. Also, on National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, more than 800 communities across the country are hosting informative and inspiring events to honor this day. Find one near you and support it. For example, in Los Angeles tonight, Black AIDS Institute hosts an event recognizing honorees as part of “Heroes in the Struggle,” a photographic tribute to African-Americans who have made outstanding contributions in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Established on World AIDS Day, Dec. 1, 2001, the traveling exhibit has raised awareness, challenged people and communities to be involved and recommit to ending HIV/AIDS in the U.S., and it has inspired needed dialogue about HIV testing and treatment. Visit www.BlackAIDSday.org to find an event near you. |