AIDS Alabama

HIV/AIDS in the South

Despite the fact that the South comprises just 36.4% of the U.S. population (in 2006):

Of the top 20 areas with the highest rates of persons living with HIV, as well as the highest AIDS case rates in 2006, 11 (55%) are in the South. (1)

The South has the highest number of adults and adolescents living with and dying from AIDS in the United States.

Throughout the rest of the country from 2001 to 2005, the number of deaths from AIDS decreased, but continued to increase in the South.

The number of persons living with AIDS has increased over the last fifteen years at a greater rate in the South than in any other regions of the United States.

Of the 15 states with the highest rates of new HIV diagnoses, nine (60%) are in the South.

Prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS are further complicated in the South by the high prevalence of HIV-infected individuals living in rural areas. Southern states comprise 65% of all AIDS cases among rural populations.

** The statistics referenced above were gathered through a literature review by the Southern AIDS Coalition. To read more about HIV/AIDS in the South, and view the articles that reference the statistics above, click here to read the Southern States Manifesto.