AIDS and Washington, DC

Washington, DC with a population just over a half a million residents, has one of the highest HIV/AIDS rates in the United States. One in 20 DC residents are HIV positive and the rate of new AIDS cases is 128.4 per 100,000 people, compared to the national average of 13.7 per 100,000 people.

For men in DC, the most common way HIV is spread is through unprotected sex followed by intravenous drug use. For women, sharing needles is the most common mode of HIV transmission. It was only recently that the District was allowed to use federal money to spend on needle exchange programs in hopes of preventing the spread of HIV. Prevention Works provides needle exchange and health services to DC residents.

Even with the amazing advances in research and eduction, HIV/AIDS is still a major health epidemic, particularly in poor minority communities like those in DC. On November 20, activists gathered in DC to demand (and support) that Presidential-elect Obama keep his promise to fight AIDS here in the U.S. and aboard. I was lucky enough to attend the event and march to the White House. Members of Philadelphia ACT UP and NYC AIDS Housing Network then met with members of Obama's transition team. Here's HOPING to a president who will create a real national AIDS strategy and a real national health care system.