Addressing Disparities for Black MSM in HIV Prevention: the 2016 NBHAAD Conversation
HIV prevention and treatment is at a crucial juncture, a place where cities and counties can envision a path to zero new HIV infections and HIV-related deaths. With the availability of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent new HIV infections, HIV treatments, and a renewed focus on targeting prevention and treatment to heavily impacted geographies and populations, elimination of HIV seems possible. There are however, distinct disparities among various populations that must be addressed if we are truly to move toward zero new HIV infections. In San Francisco as in some other areas of the country, the disparities are most pronounced for Black men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender individuals.
While, we have seen an overall decrease in new HIV infections, and an increase in individuals on HIV treatment achieving viral suppression, there are still important racial disparities that persist. For example, Blacks are less likely than other racial/ethnic groups to be virally suppressed (60% vs. 65% overall in SF), despite similar rates of retention in care. And even though Blacks only make up six percent of San Francisco’s population, they comprise 11 percent of new HIV infections. Furthermore, although PrEP uptake has been increasing among MSM in San Francisco, there is some indication1 that Black MSM may less likely to initiate PrEP compared with other racial/ethnic groups. We also continue to focus on the importance of mental health, as a cross cutting issue that impacts multiple areas of care engagement.
These sub-topics within HIV prevention and treatment, and the disparities that exist among them raise a number of questions: Why isn’t there as much PrEP uptake among Black MSM as other populations? How does medical mistrust impact HIV care and treatment?
In order to continue the conversation around these disparities, the SF Department of Public Health, Community Health Equity and Promotion Branch, along with its community-based partners will commemorate National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) on February 5th at 25 Van Ness Ave, 6th Floor at 6:00 pm with a community forum. The theme will focus on three priority areas; 1) PrEP, 2) Treatment as Prevention, and 3) Mental Health. The community working group that organized the event felt that it was important to look at what has been successful, and what should be prioritized to prevent new HIV infections and improve outcomes for Black San Franciscans living with HIV, with a special focus on gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, transgender individuals, and people who inject drugs.
Having awareness of these disparities is essential so that we ensure that we are moving toward achieving health equity for all of our communities. Community voice and action is key to any change, so this year’s event is organized so that we can hear directly from the community about gaps and opportunities in PrEP access, HIV care and treatment, and Mental Health services for Black San Franciscans.
