February 7 marks National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD), an observance established in 1999 to highlight the disproportionate impact of HIV on the Black community. This year’s focus is particularly crucial, as Gen Z, a generation born largely after the holiday started, faces unique challenges in HIV prevention and awareness.
While Black Americans represent only 12% of the U.S. population, they account for a staggering 40% of those living with AIDS. Even more alarming, an estimated 21% of new HIV infections occur among teens and young adults, according to a report by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Because many sexually active 13 to 24-year-olds often don’t realize that they’re at risk for HIV, the Gen Z generation is susceptible like never before. These are more than just numbers; these are our brothers, our sisters, our children. So, we have to ask ourselves, why?
The Education Gap and Perceived Risk
“With the decline in sex education in schools leaving many young people uninformed, and because of [HIV prevention medication] PrEP, some consider HIV as less of a threat and may engage in riskier sexual behaviors,” shared Dr. Ankrehah Trimble Johnson DO, a.k.a Dr. Kre.
Image: courtesy Dr. Kre.
A board-certified family medicine physician, she is the medical director of the Living Well PrEP Clinic in Alabama, where she helps combat HIV one prevention case at a time. “Members of Gen Z seem to make up the majority of new patients I experience.”
Call to Action: Knowledge is Power
One of the ways to combat the spread of the disease is through education and access. According to Dr. Kre, we need to “be more creative and implement better sex education in our communities since it’s not being taught in schools as much and increase access to PrEP, along with easier access to HIV testing.” These measures would have a profound effect on the generation.
“The more conversations we have around HIV will lend to reducing the stigma around HIV prevention and treatment…Focus on better sex education and increasing access to PrEP and testing.”
Mixed Reactions to Diagnosis
At the height of the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s, when medications were still being developed, a diagnosis of this disease was devastating. As much as things have changed, some remain the same, according to Dr. Kre.
“The reaction to the diagnosis has been variable. I’ve seen ‘relief’ from the standpoint that this is the worst that one can get so they can live their life as freely as they would like,” she shared candidly.
“I’ve also seen Gen Z members diagnosed and be devastated. The reaction has been across the board.”
Living a Full Life with HIV
25 Years old.
5 years with HIV.
Undetectable for 4!
I’m Healthy , thriving Life is good!#EndTheStigma https://t.co/hOvpP9m8WU pic.twitter.com/hCSRS8WLsg
— ohsoyoudoingthebending? (@soulidt) December 5, 2023
In 2023, several young Black men joined the #EndtheStigma campaign to encourage others to live a full life with the disease.
“If you are new to the diagnosis, get HIV treatment as soon as you find out. Do not delay care,” Dr. Kre advises. “Seek mental health therapy and support. If you do not have a community that supports you, build one. Mentally, there will be highs and lows. Do not face the disease alone.”
While prevention is key, “Medications are amazing in this day and age. Most people are on one pill a day. You can survive this and live a long, healthy life,” Dr. Kre declared.
Communication: The Key to Prevention
To reduce the number of HIV/AIDS cases in Gen Z, Dr. Kre reminds us that communication is key. “Have the hard conversations with your partners. Get tested at your local health department if you do not have a primary care doctor or are uninsured. Use condoms. Protection is prevention!”
