• African Americans account for a growing share of AIDS diagnoses over time, rising from 25% of cases diagnosed in 1985 to 49% in 2003.
• African American women accounted for two-thirds (67%) of new AIDS cases among women in 2003;white women accounted for 15% and Latinas 16%.
• Among men who have sex with men (MSM), African Americans have been particularly hard hit. A study in 6 major U.S.cities found that almost a third (32%) of African American MSM ages 23–29 were already infected with HIV, compared to 7% of white MSM
• Deaths among African Americans with AIDS remained fairly stable between 1999 and 2003, but declined by 18% among whites over this period.
Fast Facts courtesy of the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation.
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P.A.U.S.E.
In an effort to educate African-American men who have sex with men (AAMSM) about the importance of practicing safer sex P.A.U.S.E was created, which stands for Promoting Awareness of HIV Using Safer Sex Education. P.A.U.S.E. is supported by agencies working together to promote awareness of the risks of having unprotected sex and the dangers of HIV, are in the process of developing an advertising and public relations campaign that will speak directly to the target. This campaign will positively impact the lives and behavior of AAMSM in a real and personal way. This will be accomplished through community outreach programs, paid media, public relations, and a strategic media and partnering plan. The statewide campaign will concentrate on the six (6) public health districts in Georgia with the highest number of AIDS cases: Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta, Macon, Columbus and Albany. The messages, logo, concepts, graphic designs and placement of the campaign will be determined through direct and comprehensive input from the target audience.
During the first year (2004), the campaign will target AAMSM who may or may not self identify as being gay or homosexual. The campaign’s goal is to increase awareness of the need for AAMSM to practice safer sex and to encourage HIV testing.
To maximize benefits to Georgians, P.A.U.S.E. is working to expand alliances and establish support from partners with similar goals. This includes seeking assistance and support from community leaders, health departments, community-based organizations (CBO) and AIDS service organizations (ASO). The synergy created by partner relationships in each city will encourage maximum support of the campaign goals and objectives, resulting in greater acceptance and response from the target audience.
Check out the billboards:
