Twin Cities Programs

Kids Home International seeks to solicit for funds in the Twin Cities (Minneapolis/ St. Paul) to enable it to fulfill its noble objective of providing Kenyan/African Community with HIV/AIDS education programs, developing culturally sensitive health education materials and mobilizing the community by creating awareness on the spread of HIV/AIDS. Specifically the Organization wishes to do the following:

ü      Mobilize the African Twin Cities Communities.

ü      Create a forum in which the affected communities can address their concerns and seek solutions

 ü      Develop culturally sensitive health education materials appropriate for the populations to be served

 ü      Provide HIV/AIDS education

 Critical Needs To Be Met

Several factors have contributed to the present HIV/AIDS situation in the Twin Cities area among the African immigrants. To understand the magnitude of the problem, it is critical to have a broader perspective. According to a report by Minnesota Surveillance System, a project conducted by Minnesota Department of Health, Adults and children estimated to be living with HIV/AIDS globally at the end of 2002 is as follows:

North America

 980,000
Caribbean 440,000
Latin America 1.5 million
Western Europe 590, 000
North Africa & Middle East 550, 000
Sub-Saharan Africa 29.4 million
Eastern Europe & Central Asia 1.2 million
South & East Asia 6.0 million

Data source: HIV/AIDS Surveillance System

 As of December 31, 2003, a cumulative of 7,356 persons have been diagnosed and reported with HIV infection in Minnesota. A total of 3,173 persons were diagnosed with HIV infection (Non AID).

·        4,183 persons diagnosed

·        of those 7,356 persons, 2,583 are known to be deceased

  To understand a Twin Cities perspective, it is important to understand why the HIV/AIDS prevalence in Africa is attributed to the large reported cases in the Twin Cities area. Most African immigrants are from the Sub- Saharan region, which has the highest reported HIV/AIDS cases in Africa. They also represent the highest percentage of reported cases in the Twin Cities area.

 In the year 2002, according to the Minnesota HIV/AIDS Surveillance System, Minneapolis had 126 reported HIVAIDS cases followed by St. Paul 41, Suburban 104 and Greater Minnesota at 32. Total reported cases were 305 that year. As of December 31, 2003, 4,895 persons are assumed alive and living in Minnesota with HIV/AIDS. City of Minneapolis had 102 (39%) reported cases of HIV infections as of 2003. City of St. Paul had 38 (15%) and Suburban 92 (35%) cases. Total cases in the area totaled 232.

Although the statistics represent a downward trend, this is not true for the African immigrants. According to the report, number of HIV infections among African-born persons rose sharply between 1990 to 2002. In 1990 African-born persons had about 10 reported cases. In 2002, there were about 40 reported cases.

 Of the total 335 reported cases of HIV among African-born persons living with HIV/AIDS in Minnesota in 2002, Ethiopia had 81 cases, Liberia 44, Kenya 43, Cameroon 26, Uganda 24 and Somalia 18.

 According to Minnesota Department of Health HIV/AIDS Surveillance System, number of cause & rates (per 100,000 persons) of HIV infection by race/ethnicity in 2002, there were 129 cases of White, none Hispanic. That represents 42%. Black, African-born had 65 cases which represents 21%, 130-185 infection rates.

Number of Cases and Rates(per 100,000 persons)of

HIV Infection* by Race/Ethnicity – Minnesota, 2002

Race/Ethnicity                           Cases                    %                   Rate

White, non-Hispanic

129

42%

3.0

Black, African- American

62

20%

37.0

Hispanic

31

10%

21.6

Black, African –born

65

21%

130-185

American Indian

7

2%

8.6

Asian/Pacific

9

3%

5.3

Unknown

2

1%

x

     

6.2
Total    305                     100%  

      Source: Minnesota HIV/AIDS Surveillance System

The upward trend reflected among the African-born community is worrying. Although it is not directly proportional to the HIV/AIDS cases in sub-Saharan Africa, it is nevertheless a reflection of people that need to overcome certain barriers in order better combat the disease.

Survey conducted by Lutheran Social Services in 2001 in Minnesota for example showed that 95% of the 900 African immigrants who participated in the survey did not know about HIV, how it is transmitted and how to prevent it. The survey also indicated several myths, misconceptions, wrong beliefs and a high level of stigma associated with HIV/AIDS in the communities. For example, sex is a taboo in African cultures and cannot be discussed in the community in gender mixed company. Women cannot feel comfortable expressing themselves in the presence of men because that would be considered disrespectful.

According to Minnesota Department of Health HIV/AIDS Surveillance System, African-born women showed an increase in reported HIV Infections. In 1990 there about 10 cases reported compared to about 5 for men. In 2003 women cases rose up to about 40 while the men showed only a slight increase to about 20 cases.

 Specific needs to be met by the project:

(a)    African Community HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention education

(b)   Developing culturally sensitive health education materials

(c)    Community Mobilization

(d)   Provision of education/literacy needs and translation

(e)    Provision a forum  for youth and adults on issues related to HIV/AIDS

Expected Outcome

·        The African communities in the Twin-cities will be better equipped to overcome the traditional barriers that have stood in the way of fighting the disease.

·        Better education and health access will mean longevity

·        It is expected that overcoming cultural barriers will promote openness and dialogue amongst the population hence reduced transmission.