American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) experience significant health disparities in rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2014 data revealed that AI/AN populations faced gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis rates that were 4.2, 3.7, and 1.6 times higher, respectively, than those among White populations.
HIV also remains a critical public health concern. From 2005 to 2014, HIV rates among gay and bisexual AI/AN men surged by 63%, while the overall HIV rate for AI/AN increased by 19% during the same period. Alarmingly, the CDC reported that approximately 18% of AI/AN individuals living with HIV were undiagnosed, compared to the national undiagnosed rate of 13%.
While direct funding for HIV and STI prevention in Tribal communities is insufficient to meet the growing need, there are available resources that provide valuable tools, guidance, and linkage-to-care opportunities to help address these disparities.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
US. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
The VA has information for Native Veterans specific to HIV/AIDS and STIs. These resources include links to Native-specific HIV organizations and programs, and also various publications both for health providers and Veterans.
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