Georgia Health Officials: "AIDS Still an Epidemic Here"

By Jim Burress

Atlanta, GA – Calling for a renewed fight against HIV and AIDS across Georgia, the state Friday launched a campaign targeted at those most affected by the epidemic.

"African-American gay and bisexual men account for 43% of HIV and AIDS cases reported in Georgia," said Miriam Bell of the Georgia Department of Community Health in explaining why the campaign is heavily focused on gay, Black men.

Dr. Kevin Fenton, head of HIV prevention efforts at the CDC, said fighting the AIDS epidemic must go beyond promoting "safe sex,"

"Poverty, poor access to services, poor educational opportunities, high rates of incarceration and many other social determinants are driving the epidemic," he said Friday.

In 2008, nearly 3,000 Georgians were newly-diagnosed with HIV, and infection rates among gay men are increasing.

Jim Burress, WABE News.