…recorded in a population in the resource-rich world,” according to the National AIDS Manual. What’s more, AIDS is the leading cause of death among black people in Georgia ages 35 to 44, according to the state Department of Public Health.
A lack of knowledge about the disease is also to blame for the high numbers. Nearly 20 percent of Georgians said in a recent survey that they thought HIV could be transmitted by sharing a drinking glass, for example.
There’s also the fact that Georgia has a county-based health department system, and with 159 counties, the state is second in number of counties only to Texas, which has 254. This makes it hard to coordinate and monitor public health efforts.
Please keep in mind that these rates for Atlanta are specific to HIV only. There are many other lists out there that outline states and cities who have higher rates for STD’s. But speaking to HIV in America among those 18 – 39 years old, Atlanta is leading.
For more on HIV and AIDS, click here.
