New York City

HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death for women of color. HIV/AIDS is concentrated in NYC's poorest neighborhoods: Harlem, South Bronx and Central Brooklyn.

To date, over 92,000 people in New York City have been diagnosed with HIV or AIDS. 14% of all living AIDS cases in the United States live in NYC.

An estimated 25% of people living with HIV have never been tested and do not know they are infected.

As of June 2004, 30% of women with know HIV/AIDS diagnoses in NYC were women. African American women accounted for 61% of AIDS cases among all women.

In 2003, nearly 9,500 HIV/AIDS cases were diagnosed, 25% of which did not know they were infected with HIV until they developed full-blown AIDS.

In 2003, 3,831 children in NYC were diagnosed with HIV.

Among 3,179 infants born to HIV-positive women in 1997 - 2002, transmission rates were lowest among infected mothers who received pre-natal treatment.

United States

AIDS disproportionately affects Hispanic and African American women, who account for up to 72% of new HIV cases in all U.S. women.

AIDS ranks among the top 3 causes of death for African American women between ages 35 - 44.

World

By 2004, the number of women living with HIV had reached 20 million, and the upward climb of infections continue.

Nearly 50% of adults infected with HIV are women.

Fear of violence often prevents many women from accessing HIV information, getting tested and seeking treatment.