AIDS in African American Community Essay - 1296 Words

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a chronic, potentially life-threatening condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). AIDS weakens the immune system hampering the body’s defense mechanisms. AIDS is known to be a deadly disease, especially if it is not treated in a timely manner. AIDS and HIV is an epidemic that is increasing among the African American population with roots tracing back to Africa, AIDS and HIV needs greater exposure and more awareness within the African American community and in the homosexual community. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) was first recognized as a new disease in 1981 when increasing numbers of young homosexual men succumbed to unusual opportunistic infections and rare†¦show more content†¦Nearly three decades ago, there was an increase in deaths of HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. Developing countries have experienced the greatest HIV/AIDS morbidity and mortality, with the highest prevalence rates recorded in young adults in sub-Saharan Africa. In South Africa over three million people are killed by this disease (Macfarlene3). After this epidemic spreaded in Africa and killed people it branched out to other countries in the world. After the spread of AIDS to Africa, it began to spread to America in 1979 when African migrated to America they began to spread this with the people (Chelala97).The earliest form of AIDS was when an patient fifteen years olds was reported to have this disease. He never traveled outside the country so it was a possibility that it was transmitted to him in 1980.After this patient died it was reported that homosexual men started dying of this disease that was unidentified. The numbers of people were dying of this disease and the Center for Disease control first started describing the symptoms (Goosby87). Scientist began to study homosexuals because they were dying of this disease. In the year of 1984 Dr.Gallo discovered the causes of the disease of AIDS and it is responsible for the virus HIV.Once the diseases were identified, HIV and AIDS quickly became an epidemic in the country. By 1994, AIDS was the leading cause of death among Americans ages 25 to 44(Gill44). This disease started to impactShow MoreRelatedAfrican Americans And African American Community852 Words   |  4 PagesAs seen through time, African-Americans have been at a disadvantage when it comes to accessing funds that are available to most people. This however has not stopped them from creating and accessing help that supports and aids their families. Through communal efforts, African-Americans have been able to create mutual aid for themselves. 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African Americans are among many other groups of people that fall victim to a system that, sometimes inconspicuously creates barriers wherein people cannot adequately arm themselves with the tools to remain healthy. One of the most common health inequities among African Americans is the HIV/AIDs virus. This viruses significance is relatively recent in human history, but the damage it has done since its inception is catastrophic. In order to understand the HIV/AIDs virus as a diseaseRead MoreHiv / Aids : A Health Concern And Despite The Knowledge Of The Disease1359 Words   |  6 Pages HIV/AIDS is a health concern and despite the knowledge of the disease, the i nfections are increasing especially amongst Blacks. 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HIV damages your immune system and it leads to acquired immune deficiency syndrome also known as AIDS. AIDS is the final stage in HIV, and it’s a disease where severe loss of the bodys cellular immunity occurs. The disease lowers the resistance to infection and malignancy. Anyone can get HIV/AIDS. MenRead MoreHiv and Aids in the Black Community1140 Words   |  5 PagesRunning head: HIV/AIDS in African Americans ​​1 HIV/AIDS in November 15, 2012  Research, Definition, and Statement of HIV/AIDS ​African-Americans are the ethnic group most affected by HIV/AIDS. Ironically african-americans represent 14% of the population of the United States , but represent 44% across the gender line. African-american men represent 70% of HIV infections among the ethnic group, however african-american women are also highly at risk of HIV infection. Indeed