Today, Dec. 1, is World AIDS Day, an occasion to reflect both on the progress that has been made in the fight against HIV/AIDS and on the work that still needs to be done. Yesterday's St. Pete Times report on Florida AIDS statistics was a sobering reminder of the latter — especially of the disproportionate impact the disease has had on African-Americans. Consider these stats from John Barry's story:
About one of every 60 black men in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties has HIV/AIDS, compared with about one of every 160 white men. The death rate among black men is almost seven times higher than among white men.
About one of every 100 black women in Florida is infected, compared with about one of every 1,000 white women. Black women account for 70 percent of women's infections, though they make up only 16 percent of the female population. About 85 percent of these women are infected through heterosexual sex.
Observances around the world will stress the importance of prevention and testing; the treatments that are allowing millions to live with HIV; and the need to get those medicines to disadvantaged populations.
Today is also a day to remember the human impact of the disease, as evidenced in countless stories of love, loss and survival. Filmmakers have played a big role over the last two decades in telling those stories, so Metro Charities, the Tampa Gay & Lesbian International Film Festival and the Flamingo Resort in St. Petersburg have joined together to present a free three-day film festival at the Resort featuring "6 of the best HIV/AIDS Films of the past 20 years."
