Determined to ‘Get to Zero’

Posted on December 27, 2011

To increase awareness of the disproportionate number of African Americans impacted by HIV/AIDS, the NAACP worked tirelessly throughout 2011 to mobilize community members and local units on this issue through education and engagement.

Since its discovery 30 years ago, HIV/AIDS has claimed over 30 million lives. And while African Americans make up just 14 percent of the U.S. population, they account for almost half of all new HIV infections in the nation every year. The need to “Get to Zero,” is more pressing than ever. 

The NAACP health department has been proactive in efforts to help eliminate this disease in communities of color in 2011. In commemoration of the 30 years since HIV/AIDS was discovered, the health department launched "30 at 30", a series of thirty blogs and multimedia items aimed at discussing the topic of HIV/AIDS and its impact on communities of color. 

In November, in partnership with Harvard University’s Center for AIDS Research (HU CFAR), the department hosted its "Forgotten Epidemic" Summit, a convening of HIV/AIDS experts, advocates and community leaders from across the nation. The free, two-day event highlighted root causes of the epidemic; stigma and discrimination associated with people living with or affected by AIDS; and Black relationships and sexuality.

Seven local NAACP units and college chapters have received micro grants to hold HIV/AIDS awareness events in their communities.

The NAACP is committed to eliminating the stigma that is associate with HIV/AIDS in the African American community. As our Chairman said during the “Forgotten Epidemic” Summit, “You are who we've been waiting for. Courage will not skip this generation.”

Join the NAACP as we continue to fight the battle to get to zero -- or help us with your monetary donation.