Dr. Maisha Standifer Discusses HIV/AIDS Epidemic Impact on Georgia’s Communities of Color

By Janell Williams

Georgia is at the epicenter of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, particularly within its communities of color, according to Dr. Maisha Standifer, director of Population Health at The Satcher Health Leadership Institute at Morehouse School of Medicine.

Speaking on the health crisis, Standifer emphasized the need for targeted interventions and addressing disparities in healthcare access.

"HIV/AIDS disproportionately affects Black and Latino populations in Georgia, especially in metro areas," she said. "We see higher rates of infection, but lower rates of access to testing, treatment, and preventative care in these communities, creating a public health crisis."

Data from the Georgia Department of Public Health reveals that 70 percent of new HIV diagnoses in the state are among Black residents, despite making up only 33 percent of the population.

Standifer said this is a reflection of larger systemic issues, such as poverty, lack of healthcare access, and stigma surrounding HIV testing.

Here are statistics for Georgia's communities of color:

• In Muscogee County, the Latino population represents 4.4 percent, and the Black population represents 77.3 percent of the county's HIV prevalence. 
• In Muscogee County, 1,151 per 100,000 Black individuals and 454 per 100,000 Latino individuals are living with HIV. 
• Counties in the state of Georgia with the most people living with an HIV/AIDS diagnosis per 100,000 residents are: Fulton (1802), Stewart (1618), DeKalb (1442), Dougherty (1115) and Clayton (1049).

(Source: SHLI Health Equity Tracker)

Standifer noted that while Georgia ranks high nationally for new HIV diagnoses, significant strides are being made through community-based initiatives and education efforts.

“We’ve partnered with local organizations to expand access to testing and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in underserved areas, but we still have a long way to go,” she said.

The Satcher Health Leadership Institute has been at the forefront of addressing health inequities in Georgia, with a specific focus on reducing the impact of HIV/AIDS in marginalized communities. Through outreach programs, it aims to educate the public, reduce stigma and improve access to life-saving treatments.

"What’s most important is addressing the root causes of these disparities—ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, has access to adequate healthcare and education on prevention," Standifer said.

Efforts to combat the epidemic will continue, with a focus on improving healthcare infrastructure and ensuring Georgia’s most vulnerable populations receive the support they need.

For more information on the Satcher Health Leadership Institute’s initiatives, visit their website.