Today in the United States, more than half a million Black Americans are living with HIV/AIDS - far surpassing any other racial or ethnic group. From the outset, Blacks have been disproportionately affected by this disease - accounting for nearly half of all new HIV infections occurring every year in the U.S. while representing just 12 percent of the population.
While AIDS remains a serious disease - indeed a deadly threat, especially for Black Americans who are more likely to die as a result - HIV is preventable. Although no cure yet exists, advances in treatment can dramatically improve and extend the lives of those infected. And by confronting the misconceptions and stigma that keep people from taking actions - such as using protection, reducing numbers of partners, getting tested, accessing treatment, and talking openly - it is within the power of each individual to stop AIDS.
- Fact Sheet: Estimates of new HIV infections in the United States (CDC)
- Fact Sheet: Black Americans and HIV/AIDS (KFF)
The Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) - a leader in health policy and communications - is providing strategic direction and day-to-day management for BAMP, as well as overseeing campaign production and helping to support member company commitments. The Black AIDS Institute (BAI) is also providing strategic leadership, guidance, and technical assistance to BAMP. Other AIDS service organizations as well as the CDC's Act Against AIDS Leadership Initiative, a collaboration of fourteen highly respected and influential organizations serving African American communities, are providing additional counsel and support for community mobilization efforts.
