African
Services began responding to the needs of immigrants living with HIV as
the impact of the global AIDS crisis became apparent in Diaspora
communities. Since 1991, we have implemented HIV prevention programs
for African and Caribbean newcomers in New York City.
Our integrated HIV testing, care and support programs provide maximum
opportunity for immigrants to learn their HIV status, access health
care and receive the support they need to build healthy, productive
lives.
The
individuals and families we serve come from across the African Diaspora
and live in high-poverty, high-seroprevalence neighborhoods throughout
the five boroughs. They are at high risk for HIV infection or are
HIV-positive and unaware of their status until they reach late-stage
disease. Most have never received an HIV test due to lack of access to
health care services in their country of origin and in the United
States. Based on community data, we estimate between 10,000 and 20,000
of the 450,000 African immigrants in New York City to be living with
HIV.
Our HIV programs are staffed by African community health workers and
are linguistically and culturally relevant to the needs of African
immigrants. This peer-led approach had been a highly effective way of
increasing newcomers' knowledge and understanding of HIV/AIDS;
promoting HIV testing and access to care; overcoming the barriers of
HIV stigma; and promoting social acceptance of people living with HIV.
African Services has found that successful HIV/AIDS prevention, care
and support is sustained by building opportunities for self-sufficiency
for immigrants and their families: improving English skills, employment
prospects, and adjusting immigration status. Our supportive services,
combined with access to essential treatment, enable those who are
infected and affected by HIV to remain integrated in their communities
and lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
For more information, contact Mulusew Bekele, Director of Health Programs, at 212-222-3882 x121.
