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Atlanta is in the midst of a crisis because the rate in which African-American women in the city are being infected with HIV is now being compared to some third world countries.

Studies have shown that black women now make up 60 percent of newly reported HIV cases. The CDC has reported that 1 of every 30 black women will be diagnosed with HIV in their lifetime.

11 Alive Atlanta reports:

Research shows African-American women, many living in Atlanta, are being infected with HIV — so much so that the new cases are being compared to African countries.

Data collected in 2009 from the health departments in Clayton, Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Douglas and Gwinnett counties indicates infection rates of HIV and AIDS, respectively, as follows:

Fulton: 4,213 and 7,342

DeKalb: 3,257 and 3,983

Clayton: 847 and 943

In another study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control, black women make up 60 percent of all new HIV cases among women. That’s 15 times higher than white women and four percent higher than Hispanic women.

But studies also show black women are no more likely than women of other races to engage in risky behaviors. The reasons could be attributed to social, socioeconomic and environmental factors.

For more information about HIV/AIDS testing, visit:

AIDS Alliance of Northwest Georgia: http://www.aanwg.org

SisterLove, Inc.: http://www.sisterlove.org

HIV Prevential Trials Network: http://www.fhi360.com

Centers for Disease Control – Take Charge. Take the Test: http://www.hivtest.org/takecharge

Georgia Department of Community Health HIV/AIDS Surveillance fact sheet

Read the full story at 11 Alive.

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