Globally, there are 1.5 million
new cases of HIV every year.
That includes over 35,000 new
infections in the US of that number,
African Americans represent
almost 13% of the US population,
but account for 42.1% of HIV infection cases.
That data, by the way, from 2019.
Even with those numbers,
we've made strides in HIV prevention.
Here in treatment,
but we still got a ways to go,
especially as we gear up for the 34th
annual World AIDS Day recognition.
It is happening tomorrow,
but ahead of then,
joining me to discuss ways you
can get involved and some of the
work being done in our community.
Tamara, Stephanie of Abounding
prosperity here in Dallas.
Tell us about your organization
and the work you do daily to help
fight against HIV and AIDS awareness
to make sure folks are aware.
Certainly
so abounding prosperity was
founded in 2005 with the.
Sole purpose to address the social,
economic and health disparities among
black Americans and their families.
Currently, the work that we
do is around HIV STI testing,
education and prevention
efforts in Dallas County.
OK, you heard those numbers at the beginning,
certainly isn't new information to you,
but what are some of the factors that
lead to African Americans facing the
most severe burden of HIV compared
to other racial ethnic groups?
Yes, currently in Dallas County.
There are over 19,000 people living with HIV.
Although the numbers have
slowed over the years,
there continues to be a disparity and
lack of equality within our community.
We oftentimes don't have access to
adequate healthcare resources or
prevention needs that affect our health
outcomes and increase HIV rates.
This year's theme for World AIDS
Day putting ourselves to the test
achieving equity to end HIV.
It's a perfect lead into the
conversation that you're having
tomorrow on World AIDS Day.
Let's talk about what that conversation
is about and who you're basically
targeting to attend that conversation.
So sure, Sarah.
So tomorrow we will be having event,
we are partnering with Delta
Sigma Theta sorority here in
Dallas and Gilead Sciences.
This event is going to be specifically
targeted toward black women,
emerging adults aged 12 and up.
It's very important that we have.
These conversations to normalize
sexual health so that we can give the
education that is needed to black
women so that they can take control
of their own bodies and take control
of their sexual health as well.
So these are conversations that
we will be having tomorrow to
address the needs of black women
that we are seeing that they are
having an increasing rate in HIV
acquisition black women have.
Shown to have 14 times the
acquisition or transmission of
HIV than that of white women.
Black women make up the majority
of new HIV cases among women.
Why do you think that is the case
when it comes to understanding
HIV and and and it's spread in
some of the communities that are
targets when it comes to, you know,
marketing and making sure they're aware.
Yes. Well, black women are often
left out of those conversations.
They're often left out of the
marketing and the promotion.
For the information and education around HIV,
many social determinants can
affect both the black Americans,
but specifically black women.
Black women carry a heavy burden.
We are oftentimes the ones that
put the needs before the needs of
ourselves or others before ourselves,
and that plays a huge burden
on the HIV outcome.
Can I ask you this,
what are some ways, because again,
this is year round work for you guys.
Yes, we're seeing you.
Here today, previewing World AIDS Day,
but you got students work all the time,
So what are some ways that people can
get involved with abounding prosperity?
Certainly we welcome other organizations
and individuals to get involved
contacting us so that we can give
you the tools that are needed to
continue those outreach efforts.
We really have to work on
reducing stigma around HIV,
reducing stigma around sexual health,
and having sexual health conversations,
and that is the biggest need.
And so we need.
Other organizations,
businesses and people to come
and to join us so that we can
give them the tools that they
need to do the outreach.
OK. We're gonna make sure we have that
information available on our website.
Wfa.com. Tamara, Stephanie,
thank you so much for joining
us from abounding prosperity.
And as a reminder, that conversation,
that event tomorrow on
sexual Wellness is is free,
correct and open to the public.
It's happening in Dallas tomorrow,
World AIDS Day, 6:30 to 9:00.
You heard what the target audience is.
It's at Morton steakhouse.
Seating is limited transportation assistance.
Is available if needed.
You gotta register to attend.
OK, you can find that link on
wfa.com/links.