January 11, 2012

HIV Rates Increasing in Navajo Nation

HIV rates are rising in the Navajo Nation at a time when rates are holding steady or declining in other minority groups across the United States, The Los Angeles Times reports. HIV had been rare among the Navajo. First documented among the Navajo in 1987, HIV was usually transmitted from gay or bisexual men who contracted the virus in cities and then returned home. Now, research shows that Navajo are transmitting HIV to other Navajo. Poverty, poor education and alcohol abuse make slowing down HIV rates more difficult. Health professionals in the area are working to fuse traditional tribal ways with modern medicine to raise awareness, lower stigma and increase testing. 

To read the Times article, click here. 

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