HIV and AIDS Among African American Youth

This information sheet discusses HIV/AIDS among African American youth in the United States. It explains that African American youth are severely affected by HIV. About 57 percent of new infections are among 13 to 29-year-old African American youths. The rate of infection among young black men is higher than that for any other race/ethnicity, and three quarters of the new infections are among young black gay/bisexual men. Also, young black women are far more affected by HIV than young women of other races. The information sheet discusses the complex factors that increase risk among African Americans, and provides ways to protect oneself from HIV. It advocates testing for HIV and other STDs, and urges open discussions about HIV.