Alabama, The United States of America
Alabama a largely rural state is in poor shape — literally. It has a population of 5 million people 68.4% of them are white and 26.5% of them are black. The state is ranked 46th for income and has a poverty rate of 17% (sixth highest in the US). Alabama has a huge health problem which is race related. All STDs are highest among blacks and Hispanics. According to the latest figures from early 2024 62% of the HIV infected population is black and 28% is white.
In 2020 there were an estimated 17522 HIV infections. 14771 of them were diagnosed with HIV. 11016 of them (75%) receive care. 9006 people of the diagnosed HIV population were living with a suppressed undetectable virus. (61%) Quite a shockingly low percentage when you compare these figures with several hard-hit African countries like for example Zambia.
The first three months of 2024 saw 62 new HIV infections 47 male and 15 female.
Stigma against LGBTQ persons generally is high. Many of these individuals do not identify themselves as gay or bisexual. Young black males in the 15 to 29 age group have been identified as a high-risk group. Black females are approximately 9 times more likely to become infected with HIV than white females.
(Source: alabamapublichealth.gov/ HIV)
Marco
Alabama, USA
Cheerful, up and bursting with energy … Marco is an “influencer” and is doing everything to change the modern world for the better. Recently, his mission has been to reduce stigma around HIV and AIDS and gays in Alabama. He actively participates in photo shoots and other public manifestations.
Marco, born in Alabama, lived in New York for a while, but it was just a tad too rough for him, so now he’s back where he was born. We arrange to meet him in his apartment in a neighborhood with a fence around it … when we arrive with our camera, the first obstacle is a furious security guard who blocks our way. Marco seems to be used to it and solves it in a controlled and correct way … Influencing the world.
Influencing the world
Photo’s by Vincent van den Hoogen