The numbers don’t lie — and they’re not looking too good. HIV is once again on the rise among Black women, and the silence surrounding it is just as dangerous as the disease itself. Let’s take a look at why this epidemic continues to target Black women, and the culprit behind these staggering numbers.
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Black women make up just 13% of the U.S. female population, yet they account for over 50% of new HIV diagnoses among women, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF). That means more than half of all women newly diagnosed with HIV in the U.S. are Black — a staggering statistic that reflects deep-rooted inequalities.
With a dangerous cocktail of factors including a mix of social, economic, and healthcare-related issues, Black women continue to face the brunt of HIV diagnoses up until today. Combined with higher rates of poverty, lack of access to quality healthcare, and systemic barriers, it’s no wonder the virus continues to thrive in our communities as the system continues to leave us unsupported.
And that’s not all. Poor pockets lead to poor health, and with Black inequality and socio-economic barriers at every turn, the conditions are ripe for health disparities to flourish, per KFF. From housing instability to underfunded clinics, the challenges stack up — making prevention, treatment, and education about HIV even harder to access for those who need it most.
Another key factor is Intimate partner violence (IPV) — abuse or aggression in an intimate relationship — which may lead to riskier sexual behaviors. The method to attacking the HIV issue head on involves addressing the pandemic, using relevant intervention strategies, increased access to testing and PrEP, and empowering women.
Well, it’s clear songstress and reality TV star Tamar Braxton is unafraid to step up, unapologetically shining a light on HIV prevention through her partnership with Gilead — the pharmaceutical company behind PrEP. With a goal to empower Black women to have the tough conversations, she’s using her voice and platform to inspire others to be just as bold.
“We need more open conversations about HIV prevention and less stigma. I’ve always been an advocate for Black women, and now more than ever, it’s time we empower each other to ask questions, protect our bodies, and own our joy,” Braxton, 48, wrote in an Instagram post.
The message is clear: silence is no longer an option. With HIV still disproportionately affecting Black women, prevention has to be more than a private thought — it has to be a public movement. Leave your stigma at the door, arm yourself with the facts, and step into the conversation.
Straight From 
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