The Unseen HIV Epidemic in America

Often times, the social issues surrounding viruses prove to be the most intractable when it comes to creating change and translating the science into action. We've talked in class about how every virus causing human disease could be vaccinated against, or eradicated if everyone was treated at the exact same time. Yet, we have to ask questions like who would fund such an endeavor? If this demonstrates anything, it is that we are often at odds with issues that go beyond what might be best for everyone.

This article from the NYT magazine attempts to highlight the HIV epidemic in America that contrasts along various socioeconomic lines from the AIDS epidemic of the early 1980's. It reads like an exposé, claiming that the not only does the South have the highest incidence of HIV, the epidemic is almost exclusively affecting young, African-American males. The author argues that intense stigma in this region of the U.S. compounds the systematic failings in disseminating information and resources to this group of people. The most harrowing statistic predicts that 1 in 2 African-American men, who identify as homosexual, will contract HIV in their lifetime.

In the end, public health programs need to redirect their efforts to helping those belonging to this population. Whether it be through more transparent, accessible care or the efforts of people like Mr. Strudevant, a traveling nurse who ensures people have the social capital to live healthy lives with HIV.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/06/magazine/americas-hidden-hiv-epidemic.html

- Andrew