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)
Lisa
Alabama, USA
Lisa was all set for the US Army to send her to Honduras. But a day before departure, she was suddenly fetched from home and met by an army doctor: her HIV test had turned up positive. Lisa had really no idea what to do. She knew nothing about HIV, and she thought she was going to die.
Yes, she’s well. She got good, loving care from the army social worker, and so did her then 3-year-old daughter. But it was impossible to go on working for the army.
A tough woman, Lisa lives with her two grown daughters and two grandchildren in Piedmont, a small town in North Alabama. She did it all on her own. She has a paying job as a coach and supervisor for other HIV-infected people. Her strength gives others strength. It was a long way to get where she is now.
Piedmont, Saturday afternoon
Photo’s by Vincent van den Hoogen