This past weekend, news broke that at least 3% of Washington, DC’s population has AIDS or is HIV positive. The rates for African Americans in general, and men in particular are much higher, at more than 4% and nearly 7%, respectively. These rates far surpass the threshold to be considered a “generalized and severe epidemic” according to the 2008 epidemiology report. Alarming as these rates are, they are certain to be lower than the actual rate, as many cases are still undiagnosed. This is a painful reality given the preventive resources available in this country.

For years, racial disparities have been documented with regard to the spread of HIV among African American women and men; and now its time we start to deal with this epidemic head on. Clearly, we need a new message–using innovative, new media–to curb risky behaviors and promote the simple truth that this is a major health crisis that affects everyone. It is time we engage everyone we love and remind them that it is important to get tested and it is important to use condoms–and we may just have to start with some of our most powerful world leaders.

Today, Pope Benedict XVI, leader of the Catholic Church, was in Cameroon discouraging the use of condoms as a strategy to prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS. Quite the gamble with human life, I’d say. Thankfully, President Obama and other world leaders have emphasized the importance of getting tested. Hopefully, informed people in Cameroon and other African nations, including those among the African Diaspora, will prioritize healthy outcomes and reject the dogmas that debilitate our bodies, our minds, and our spiritual growth. Get tested for AIDS—and please, use a condom.

Copyright 2009 Monique W. Morris

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