A recent report by the CDC shows that HIV infection rates in Blacks have decreased by approximately 5% per annum since 2001. But don't let the headlines fool you. Blacks, both men and women are 8.4x more likely to contract HIV then Whites. 69% of all new HIV/AIDS cases are Black. The rate of infection amoung gay and bisexual men rose 8% in the past year, disappointing since the rate had remained constant over the past three years.
The highly publicized decline in new cases is highly correlated with the declining rate of new infections in intravenous drug users. The drop among intravenous drug users can be attributed to the success of needle exchange programs. These programs remain controversial as many detractors of the programs (ie: The Family Research Council) feel they weaken efforts to contain drug abuse.
Don't be placated by the cheery headlines. HIV/AIDS is still a major threat to the Black community. Clearly needle exchange programs have impeded the spread of HIV and AIDS in all communities, Blacks being the majority of that community. Since the lack of sterile needles doesn't discourage drug use and providing them is saving lives, I feel it is a practice worth continuing and promoting.
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