More than fifteen years ago, as the impact of the global AIDS epidemic became apparent in Diaspora communities, African Services began responding to the needs of immigrants coping with HIV.

Since 1991, our integrated HIV/AIDS prevention education, testing, access to care and case management programs provide maximum opportunity for immigrants to learn their status, access lifesaving treatment and receive the personal support they need to build healthy, productive lives.

The individuals and families we serve come from across the African Diaspora and live in high-poverty, high-seroprevalence neighborhoods throughout the five boroughs. They are often at high risk for HIV infection or are HIV-positive and unaware of their status until they reach late-stage disease. Most have never received an HIV test due to lack of access to health care services in their country of origin. Based on community data, we estimate between 10,000 and 20,000 of the 450,000 African immigrants in New York City to be living with HIV.

Our HIV programs are staffed by African community health workers who have the linguistic and cultural competency to meet the unique needs of African immigrants. This peer-led approach is a highly effective way of increasing newcomers' knowledge and understanding of HIV/AIDS; promoting HIV testing and access to care; overcoming HIV stigma; and promoting social acceptance of people living with HIV.

We have found that successful HIV/AIDS prevention and care is sustained by building opportunities for self-sufficiency for immigrants and their families: improving English skills, employment prospects, and adjusting immigration status. Our supportive services, combined with access to essential treatment, enable those who are infected and affected by HIV to remain integrated in their communities and lead healthy, fulfilling lives.