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Women of all races and ethnicities can get HIV

• More information on how women of all races and ethnicities can get HIV

HIV can touch the lives of all American women, no matter what their background. However, research shows that women of color are more likely to be infected with HIV.

Some risks of HIV infection may be higher in some communities.

• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Women of color have high rates of some STIs. Having an STI can make women more likely to be infected with HIV.
• Risky sexual behavior. Unprotected sex with multiple partners, with a partner who has other sex partners, or with people at high risk of HIV infection can be common in some communities. In some communities men may not live with their regular sex partner due to jail, immigration issues, or other social forces. This can result in female partners being at greater risk of HIV.
• Drug use. All drug users may be more likely to have unprotected sex under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Women who use intravenous (IV) drugs may share needles or have sex with others who use IV drugs. Sharing needles to inject IV drugs is the second most common way of getting HIV.
• Lack of basic necessities. Women who cannot afford the basics in life such as quality health care and housing are indirectly at higher risk of HIV. Having to care for others such as children or family may place additional strain on women's resources.

African-American women and Latinas have the highest rates of HIV. HIV diagnoses in black women are nearly 15 times higher than in white women. HIV diagnoses in Hispanic or Latina women are four times higher than in white women.

The latest estimates from the CDC show almost 300,000 women living with HIV in the U.S. A study of 40 U.S. states and territories shows that 66 percent of the women who were diagnosed with HIV in 2009 were African-American, 17 percent were white, and 14 percent were Hispanic or Latina.

It's important that every woman protect herself from getting HIV, no matter what her race or ethnicity. Remember: You can take charge of some things in your life that can prevent HIV infection!

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More information on Women of all races and ethnicities can get HIV

Explore other publications and websites

• HIV/AIDS Among African Americans - This publication provides statistical information about African-Americans infected with HIV/AIDS in the United States. It discusses the related challenges to HIV prevention in African-American communities.
  http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/topics/aa/index.htm
• HIV/AIDS Among American Indians and Alaska Natives - This fact sheet discusses HIV/AIDS in American Indians and Alaska Natives and how it is a growing problem in this community.
  http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/resources/factsheets/aian.htm
• HIV/AIDS Among Asians and Pacific Islanders - This fact sheet offers information about the risk factors and barriers to prevention for Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders with HIV/AIDS.
  http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/resources/factsheets/API.htm
• HIV/AIDS Among Hispanics/Latinos - This website provides statistics on HIV/AIDS in Hispanic and Latino populations. It also offers tips to help prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections and links to other resources.
  http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/hispanics/index.htm
• Women and HIV/AIDS in the United States (Copyright © Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation) - HIV is affecting more women than ever before. This report provides statistics as well as an explanation for the high rate of HIV/AIDS among women and minorities.
  http://www.kff.org/hivaids/upload/6092-04.pdf

Connect with other organizations

• American Social Health Association
  http://www.ashastd.org/
• Black AIDS Institute
  http://www.blackaids.org/
• National Minority AIDS Council
  http://www.nmac.org/
• National Native American AIDS Prevention Center
  http://www.nnaapc.org/index.htm
• Office of Minority Health, HHS
  http://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/
• Women Alive
  http://www.women-alive.org

Content last updated July 01, 2011.

Resources last updated July 01, 2011.

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