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)
Theresa
Montgomery, USA
Being a leader
Theresa says it clearly: “If you have HIV in Alabama, life can be tough. There is a lot of stigma and ignorance. Sometimes you are really stared at when you go shopping.” When, as a mother of two adult children, she became ill and was told that she was HIV positive, she was shocked. How would her children and her friends react!? Would anyone ever want a relationship with her?
God gives her the confidence that she will not remain alone and her children are simply fantastic. They support her with everything. Now she likes to pass that support onto others.
At ease
Photo’s by Vincent van den Hoogen