More than thirty years after the first case report of HIV, AIDS remains a significant problem in America. Despite tremendous advances in testing and treatment, not everyone has benefitted equally. Discovery Channel takes an in depth look at the color lines of HIV/AIDS in a world premiere documentary HIV/AIDS: AMERICA'S DIVIDE airing Saturday, March 17 at 8am e/p.
Every nine and half minutes someone in the United States is infected with HIV — and chances are that it will be someone of color. African American represent nearly half of all new cases of HIV, although they represent only 15% of the population. HIV/AIDS: AMERICA'S DIVIDE tells the unheard stories of triumph and tragedy in America's neighborhoods and spotlights the heroes on the front lines of the fight to prevent and treat the disease. This compelling look at the new reality of HIV/AIDS exposes the cultural stigmas and social disparities that are widening the gap between who is living and who is dying.
"We know how to prevent HIV transmission. We also know that putting people on treatment greatly lowers their risk of passing on the virus. Nobody should be contracting HIV in 2012," said fashion icon and amfAR Chairman Kenneth Cole, who is featured in the documentary. "We must continue to work together to curb all new infections, especially among the most vulnerable, to bring this epidemic to an end."
Across the country, the crisis in HIV/AIDS is increasingly seen in minority communities and yet the issue has flown under the media radar. HIV/AIDS: AMERICA'S DIVIDE reveals the latest data from CDC and shows not only where the problems are but how to solve them using advanced medical technologies and evolving patient and community care.
"People in America are still dying of HIV," said Dr. John Whyte, Chief Medical Expert at Discovery Channel. "We've come full circle. Thirty years ago, those most impacted were disenfranchised members of society. Today, it's a different group, but still primarily disenfranchised. The faces of AIDS has literally changed. I hope this documentary helps us to better understand why these problems persist and how we can combat them."
"This program spotlights one of most serious and overlooked of our problems. In some regions of the United States, the incidence of new AIDS infections is greater than in some countries in Africa. Today, effective HIV testing and AIDS treatment is available. Ignorance of testing and treatment is our enemy." said Dr. Robert Gallo, Founder and Director of the Institute of Human Virology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, who is also featured in the documentary.
HIV/AIDS: AMERICA'S DIVIDE will repeat on March 24 and also be available to view online at www.discoverychannelpatiented.com
HIV/AIDS: AMERICA'S DIVIDE is made possible by support from Abbott, OraSure Technologies, University of Maryland School of Medicine, University of Maryland Institute of Human Virology, and Walgreens.
About Discovery Channel
Discovery Channel is dedicated to creating the highest quality non-fiction content that informs and entertains its consumers about the world in all its wonder, diversity and amazement. The network, which is distributed to 100.4 million U.S. homes, can be seen in 210 countries, offering a signature mix of compelling, high-end production values and vivid cinematography across genres including science and technology, exploration, adventure, history and in-depth, behind-the-scenes glimpses at the people, places and organizations that shape and share our world. For more information, please visit www.discovery.com
About Discovery Communications
Discovery Communications ( Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK ) is the world's #1 nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in 210 countries and territories. Discovery is dedicated to satisfying curiosity through 130-plus worldwide television networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science and Investigation Discovery, as well as US joint venture networks OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, The Hub and 3net, the first 24-hour 3D network. Discovery also is a leading provider of educational products and services to schools and owns and operates a diversified portfolio of digital media services, including HowStuffWorks.com . For more information, please visit www.discoverycommunications.com .
