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Despite progress, Atlanta’s HIV epidemic is worse

Dr. David Malebranche, an associate professor of medicine at the Morehouse School of Medicine who has been working with HIV prevention and treatment for the past 16 years, is a “same gender loving man” and, at 48, his re-introduction to Atlanta’s HIV epidemic in 2000 was like stepping back in time. RYON HORNE / RHORNE@AJC.COM
Dr. David Malebranche, an associate professor of medicine at the Morehouse School of Medicine who has been working with HIV prevention and treatment for the past 16 years, is a “same gender loving man” and, at 48, his re-introduction to Atlanta’s HIV epidemic in 2000 was like stepping back in time. RYON HORNE / RHORNE@AJC.COM
By Gracie Staples
Aug 30, 2017

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicted in 2016 that if current rates continue, one in two African-American gay and bisexual men will be infected with HIV, the virus that causes it AIDS, during their lifetime.

In Atlanta, the epidemic was particularly acute. Now, it may be worse.

RELATED: The Silent Epidemic: Black Gay Men and HIV, Part 1

Last year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicted that if current rates continue, one in two African-American gay and bisexual men will be infected with HIV, the virus that causes it AIDS.

RELATED: The Silent Epidemic: Black Gay Men and HIV, Part 2

Dr. Carlos del Rio, co-director of Emory University’s Center for AIDS Research, put it this way: “Downtown Atlanta is as bad as Zimbabwe or Harare or Durban.”

If you’re wondering how this is possible, given the success of lifesaving antiretroviral medication, given the decades of research and education, you’re not alone.

Click below to find how why new medicines blamed for rising rates of HIV in black gay men.

The Silent Epidemic: In this series

Part 1

ExploreThe Silent Epidemic: Black gay men and HIV

Part 2

ExploreHow purpose saved this long-time AIDS survivor’s life

Part 3

ExploreHow improved medicines helped fuel the HIV epidemic

Part 4

ExploreYoung black men the new face of HIV

Part 5

ExplorePersonal stories help counter negative images of gay black men

About the Author

Gracie Staples
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