U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
|
 |
HIV/AIDS
ISSUEAmerican Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) experience an elevated rate of new infections of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) when compared with White and Asian/Pacific Islander populations. Longstanding health disparities and disproportionate co-risk factors such as high rates of sexually transmitted infections, substance abuse, and social stigma contribute both directly and indirectly to the risk of HIV transmission. HIV/ Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is communicable and has no cure or vaccine, although new therapies are continually emerging. Strong prevention strategies are being developed and adapted in AI/AN communities throughout the country to help people living with HIV/AIDS lead full lives. BACKGROUNDThe Indian Health Service (IHS) HIV/ AIDS Program is a culturally fluent effort based upon a comprehensive public health approach. Although IHS focuses primarily on the care of individuals, the agency facilitates a preventive, public health approach to reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS in AI/AN communities. Resources within the Indian health system to treat HIV/AIDS are sometimes limited, so this Program aggressively pursues opportunities to establish routine HIV testing, spread primary prevention messages, and support behavioral changes. STATUSIt is estimated that through 2008, there were over 3,500 cases of HIV/AIDS among AI/ANs in the U.S., with a rate of HIV/AIDS diagnosis of 12.8 per 100,000. Over the last 5 years, the prenatal HIV screening rate has risen from 65 percent to 80 percent IHS-wide. Over the last 8 years, HIV screening rates have more than tripled. According to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of new cases is 14.6 per 100,000. Risk factors that contribute to HIV/AIDS rates among AI/ANs include the disproportionate rates of sexually transmitted diseases (AI/ANs have the second-highest rates of gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis combined in the U.S.), alcohol and substance use, depression, domestic violence, and low socioeconomic status. Other factors include a greater proportion of young adults (as compared to other social groups), social and cultural stigma attached to the disease, and discrimination. AI/AN people living with AIDS are known to have one of the shortest timelines from AIDS diagnosis to death. Because HIV/AIDS can be undetected for long periods of time, screening plays an important role in early diagnosis and entry to treatment for AI/AN people. It is also known that AI/AN youth are only half as likely to use contraceptives as their non-Native peers, thereby increasing the risk of acquiring or spreading HIV. These factors contribute to the ongoing risk of a more serious epidemic. OPTIONS/PLANSThe IHS HIV/AIDS Program goals include ensuring access to quality health care services for those at risk and those living with HIV, increasing individual awareness of personal HIV serostatus, increasing HIV testing, addressing social stigma and discrimination, implementing best practices, and continuing to provide and expand quality care. The HIV Program continues to grow and implement new initiatives each year, including tribal policy projects, national screening initiatives, telehealth projects, and HIV clinical training. More information is available at the IHS HIV website at www.ihs.gov/medicalprograms/hivaids/. ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONFor referral to the appropriate spokesperson, contact the IHS Public Affairs Staff at 301-443-3593. January 2012 |
Accessibility · Disclaimer · FAQs · Website Privacy Policy · Plain Writing Act · Freedom of Information Act · HIPAA · No Fear · Glossary · Contact
Indian Health Service (HQ) - The Reyes Building, 801 Thompson
Avenue, Ste. 400 - Rockville, MD 20852
