News 2016
Chris Beyrer, M.D.: Mass Incarceration is Driving the HIV Epidemic Among African American Women
IAS President and AIDS 2016 co-chair Chris Beyrer, M.D., talks to the Black Media Delegation. Photo: Freddie Allen
In the days before the Conference began, International AIDS Society President and AIDS 2016 co-chair Chris Beyrer, M.D., met with the Black Media Delegation to preview some of the late-breaking news at the International AIDS Conference in Durban, South Africa. Dr. Beyrer was particularly excited about the July 2016 issue of the British medical journal The Lancet, which contains an analysis of HIV, viral hepatitis and tuberculosis among prisoners worldwide. We became very disturbed about new research he shared about the relationship between mass incarceration and the HIV epidemic among African American women—especially because we now know that untreated HIV is infectious HIV and we have been sold this story that the epidemic has been driven by the "down low". What follows is a heavily edited version of a long conversation.
Mass Incarceration Accelerating the Spread of HIV Among Black Women
Free of prison, but might be HIV-positive
DURBAN, South Africa – Efforts to halt the spread of HIV among African Americans, the most impacted group in the United States—particularly African American women—will not be successful without reducing the rate of mass incarceration among people of color, according to research made public here Tuesday at the International AIDS Conference.
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21st International AIDS Conference Commences on "Mandela Day"
Prayer at AIDS 2016 opening ceremony
It was entirely fitting that the 21st International AIDS Conference kicked off yesterday in Durban, South Africa, on "Mandela Day," a global celebration of the great man's birthday.
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Women Meet to Create an AIDS 2016 Platform at Pan-African Women's Reproductive Summit
Women Now 2016! Summit co-chair Prudence Mabele shows off The Ring. Photo: Hilary Beard
Despite many scientific and biomedical advances, Black women worldwide are acquiring HIV at an alarming rate. In an effort to shift the global conversation to include Black women's needs, on July 13-15, the Women Now! 2016 preconference to the 21st International AIDS Conference took place in Durban, South Africa.
Read more: Women Meet to Create an AIDS 2016 Platform at Pan-African Women's Reproductive Summit
Activists Hold March to Protest Lack of Access to HIV Treatment
Quality Treatment for All March in Durban, South Africa. Photo: Kali Villarosa
As the last overflowing buses pulled onto Dr. Pixley Kaseme St. on Monday, chants and cheers already filled the air. Passengers disembarked onto the large Durban, South Africa, roadway packed with thousands of people, ranging from elders holding canes to babies strapped to their mother's backs, most wearing HIV Positive t-shirts, regardless of their status. Participants in the "Quality Treatment for All" march spoke numerous languages and U.S., Mexican, Swedish, Peruvian and South African flags blew almost in rhythm to the many dancers moving through the crowd of mostly women. (To watch a video of the march, go here.)
Read more: Activists Hold March to Protest Lack of Access to HIV Treatment