STIGMA TOWARDS HIV/AIDS

Uptown v. Downtown

Prevention

HIV Testing

       Social stigma towards HIV/AIDS may be the biggest obstacle that New York will face in the prevention of HIV/AIDS, as well in encouragement of HIV testing and treatment. With the growing HIV/AIDS problem in the uptown group the issue of strong African-American stigma against HIV/AIDS must be addressed. A 2005 study of HIV/AIDS support in black churches showed that while blacks believe that AIDS/HIV services are important, blacks also frown upon IDU and MSM as demonstrated by the lack of acknowledgement of any IDU or MSM in the congregations by the ministers. [i] The stigma of HIV/AIDS often causes those at risk to avoid or delay being tested due to the fear of further stigmatism in addition to that they already face from being in a high-risk group, whether it be public orientation, race or any other preconceived public notion.[ii] Furthermore those that are HIV positive may not disclose their diagnoses due to the stigma, yet still continue to have unprotected sex with both men and women and sometimes do not even disclose their status to their primary partner.[iii] To combat this stigma the New York State AIDS Institute has started Project WAVE NY, a series of radio and television public service announcements, some featuring black and Hispanic celebrities,  that promote HIV testing and prevention in minority communities.[iv] However it is important to utilize other methods to reduce stigma. The church plays a large role in the black and Hispanic community and should be utilized to the cities advantage. Black churches are actively interested in working against the HIV/AIDS crisis, yet are in need of programs that are both culturally supportive and strong against the AIDS crisis.[v] Ito further reduce stigma New York City should work with black and Hispanic churches to create HIV/AIDS education and support programs that make the most of what both have to offer.