How To Make An Ice Cream
...endorsements are attracting to the epidemic of AIDS in Africa, there is surprisingly little discussion around its prevalence in the United States. What is perhaps most disturbing is its rate of occurrence among African Americans, who are affected by the deadly virus at a ratio highly disproportionate to their overall population. Indeed, while African Americans account for some 12% of the population, they represent nearly 50% of those affected by HIV and AIDS. And African American women are nearly 20 times more likely to acquire the deadly virus than white women.
[pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]But just what is being done to combat this alarming phenomenon? And what caused it to occur in the first place?
HIV/AIDS
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a viral infection that affects cells present in our blood, semen, and other bodily fluids. It is passed primarily through vaginal or anal sex. The infection affects the body's immune system, destroying infection-fighting cells called T-cell lymphocytes, leaving the person highly susceptible to illnesses that their body would otherwise be able to fight off. This is why those who acquire HIV often develop acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Why are African Americans More Susceptible to HIV/AIDS?
Race and ethnicity are not influencing factors in the acquisition of HIV/AIDS, and alone they do not explain why certain sub groups of the population are so unjustifiably affected. The following barriers and circumstances are most likely responsible for the disproportionate presence of HIV/AIDS among African Americans:
Socioeconomic factors: Currently, some 1 in 4 African Americans are living on or below the poverty line. This affects their ability to acquire health insurance, with some 20% of African Americans reporting not having any insurance at all. Among those who are insured, 59% have public insurance...
View Full Essay
