Addressing the Problem of HIV at the Population Level
The first step in addressing this problem involves understanding the causative factors behind the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS among the identified group of individuals. According to Cahill et al. (2017), some of the contributing factors to the high incidence rates of HIV among this group of individuals include perceived racism, medical mistrust, stigma, and lack of awareness. Therefore, the appropriate starting point would be looking for ways to address these pertinent issues. Creating awareness at the community level would play a significant role in reducing the number of new HIV infections among these individuals. For instance, Cahill et al. note that while taking antiretroviral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) would reduce vulnerability to infection, the uptake of such drugs among Caucasian, African American, and Latino homosexual men is disproportionately lower as compared to their white counterparts. Cahill et al. (2017) posit that new HIV infections can be addressed by ensuring safe sex practices and taking PrEP medications appropriately. Therefore, my intervention strategy would focus on these two elements.
Additional Information for Appropriate Interventions
Knowing that there is a high prevalence of HIV infections among given ethnic groups is not enough to come up with effective intervention strategies. Additional information needed here includes knowing the predisposing factors and all elements that contribute to the high prevalence of the condition to the said group of individuals. More information on the barriers to healthcare access would also be needed.
Other Segments of the Community
Prejudices associated with homosexuality are some of the issues contributing to high incidence rates of new HIV infections among the said individuals. Therefore, all segments of the community would be targeted. For instance, families would be encouraged to accept their sons’ sexual orientation together with urging religious groups to observe tolerance.
Reference
Cahill, S., Taylor, S. W., Elsesser, S. A., Mena, L., Hickson, D., & Mayer, K. H. (2017). Stigma, medical mistrust, and perceived racism may affect PrEP awareness and uptake in black compared to white gay and bisexual men in Jackson, Mississippi and Boston, Massachusetts. AIDS Care, 29(11), 1351-1358.