HIV/AIDS and A&PIs

What is HIV/AIDS and how is it transmitted?

HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. Scientists have determined that HIV is transmitted in four ways:

• During sex
• Blood to blood contact (example: sharing needles used to inject drugs)
• From mother to child during breast feeding
• From mother to child during pregnancy or birth

A person CANNOT get HIV from drinking out of the same glass as an HIV-positive person, sitting on a toilet seat, mosquito bites, kissing or any other kind of casual contact.

How has HIV/AIDS affected A&PIs?

Since the beginning of the epidemic, more than 7,000 A&PIs have been diagnosed with AIDS. A&PIs living with HIV/AIDS come from all walks of life. They are men, women, and transgendered people. They are gay, bisexual, and heterosexual. They are immigrants and U.S.-born. They are our family members, friends, coworkers and loved ones, and they need our support.

Here are some important facts about HIV/AIDS among A&PIs living in the U.S. and its territories:

• HIV/AIDS has been on the rise among A&PIs. Between 1999 and 2003, AIDS diagnoses among A&PIs increased by 34%.
• Most A&PIs living with HIV/AIDS live on the east and west coasts and in Chicago, Hawai’i and Guam. Over one third of A&PIs with AIDS live in New York City and San Francisco.
• The main risk factor for A&PI men is sex with other men. The main risk factor for A&PI women is sex with men.
• A&PIs are less likely than others to get tested for HIV.
• Stigma and negative attitudes toward A&PIs affected by HIV/AIDS increase their risk and prevent them from getting health services.

Get more information about HIV/AIDS on our HIV/AIDS links page.