10 Minutes to End AIDS in the Black Community

There is an old saying: "Knowledge is power."

This is true about many aspects of life, but is of paramount importance when it comes to the crisis of HIV and AIDS in the black community. As an African-American medical expert, I know that the single and biggest factor fueling the AIDS epidemic in our community is that too many of us don't know our HIV status.

This is despite the fact that HIV tests have never been more convenient, are often free, and give results in as little as 10 minutes. National HIV Testing Day on June 27 gave us an excellent opportunity to close this life-threatening gap in our knowledge.

Let's not stop there, however. Let's learn a few basics about this crisis in our community. Of the 1.1 million Americans with HIV/AIDS today, more than 500,000 are black. African-Americans represent more than half of new HIV/AIDS cases in this country, and account for more than half of AIDS-related deaths. Perhaps most alarmingly, 20 percent of African-Americans with HIV do not know they are infected.

Despite these dire statistics, there is actually reason for hope — because we have the power to change this picture. We should strive to reduce new HIV cases in our community and put the brakes on this epidemic.

In my view, there are three concrete things we can do to stop the black AIDS crisis.

First, we should get tested for HIV early and often. Right now, too many African-Americans have not been tested for HIV or do not get tested regularly.

Not surprisingly, we know that folks who are not diagnosed are much more likely to transmit HIV than those who know their status. Our chances of stopping the HIV and AIDS epidemic in our community will go up substantially if we can make HIV testing a widespread, routine practice in our community.

Second, African-Americans who are HIV positive should consider starting HIV treatment, if they haven't already. Studies have shown that early treatment improves survival for people with this disease. Patients who wait to start HIV treatment until their immune systems deteriorate can experience a 94 percent greater risk of death compared to those who start therapy earlier.

Unfortunately, delaying treatment is a real problem in the black community. Many African-Americans diagnosed with HIV are not in care, and many end up going to the emergency room with symptoms of full-blown AIDS. Of those who are in care, some have problems adjusting to taking HIV medications over the long term.

We need to work together to overcome these obstacles, because in 2010, people with HIV who are treated promptly and consistently can actually look forward to a normal life expectancy. In fact, our system of HIV care today is focused on treating people before they fall sick, to keep them healthy for as long as possible. Our new focus in HIV treatment is on wellness, and new U.S. government guidelines urge people to begin HIV treatment earlier, so we really need to heed this advice.

The third thing we need to do to stop the black AIDS crisis is spread the word in our community about the benefits of early testing and treatment. In fact, let's share the news about all the advances we are seeing in the fight against AIDS. For example, HIV testing today is frequently free (and not just on National HIV Testing Day). Also, it has never been faster, thanks to today's rapid HIV tests.

HIV medicines have also improved: There are convenient once-daily drugs, and for people on low incomes, there is now an extensive network of support to help patients access their necessary medications. Numerous programs around the country provide information and support for at-risk communities. I lead an effort in Baltimore called the JACQUES Initiative, in which we take HIV testing and treatment services to city streets, to the people who need them most. But no matter where you live in America, online resources can help (www.AIDSVu.org connects you to HIV testing centers in your hometown).

So take my advice: Take advantage of the dramatic progress we are seeing in the fight against HIV by making a pledge to know our HIV status. This knowledge really is the power to protect ourselves, our families and the future of our community.

Derek Spencer

Derek Spencer is a nurse practitioner and executive director of the JACQUES Initiative at the Institute of Human Virology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore.

Photos from the L.A. Watts Times.

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