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)

The Hub, Birmingham – 2

Alabama, USA

The men and women of Aids Alabama Support Group in Birmingham meet regularly. It is a diverse but close-knit club. They support each other, help each other, inspire each other, laugh with each other and perhaps most importantly; together they make a stand against the strong stigma that is present in Alabama.

We meet the group on a pleasant afternoon at their meeting place on the outskirts of Birmingham’s centre. The ice is quickly broken. They share their stories with great enthusiasm. Their HIV infection was not easy for any one of them. But they have all found the strength to give it a place and to deal with it. Tony, Deborah, Xytarius, Mattie, Alvin, Gigi and Marvin’s life stories – pure inspiration.