African Immigrants and the End of the HIV Epidemic in the United States

African immigrants in the United States are disproportionately affected by HIV yet remain overlooked in public health strategies such as the Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) initiative. Many reside in EHE-prioritized counties, but their categorization under the broad "Black/African American" label obscures their distinct pathways to HIV acquisition and barriers to care.

We explore how African immigrants can be more effectively prioritized in the EHE framework. We examine key challenges, including stigma, cultural and linguistic barriers, and structural inequities, that limit access to prevention and treatment services. Additionally, sociocultural factors, such as traditional health beliefs and immigration-related stressors, exacerbate these barriers.

We propose actionable strategies to address these gaps, including disaggregated data collection, culturally tailored interventions, and partnerships with African immigrant communities. By aligning EHE efforts with the unique needs of this population, public health strategies can better address disparities and advance equity in the fight to end the HIV epidemic.