African American women and AIDS: a public health/social work challenge.

AIDS is a global problem affecting people regardless of economic status, ethnicity, age, occupation, or gender. Although, initially perceived as a gay men's disease, the fastest growing population in the AIDS epidemic is women. African American women represent over half the reported cases of AIDS among women in the United States. An epidemiological analysis is presented about AIDS among African American women. Utilizing feminist empowerment strategies and multidimensional prevention/intervention strategies to engage the African American community, social workers, and health professionals is suggested.