HIV/AIDS Becomes Leading Killer of Black Americans 25-44

By the mid-1990s, HIV/AIDS was the leading cause of death for Black Americans aged 25-44. Black Americans, 13% of the population, accounted for 41% of new AIDS cases by 1996. Inadequate healthcare access and Tuskegee-related distrust contributed to disproportionate impact. The CDC declared Black America a special focus area in 1998.