Millions of people die every year. People die from cancer, lung problems or diseases. Sexually transmitted diseases can also lead to death. For example, the HIV virus is one of the reasons why black women die. This virus has the power to weaken someone's immune system. There have been studies that have shown that African American women suffer from viruses such as HIV/AIDS. According to a CDC report, recent epidemiological reports show that Black women are at risk for HIV infection along with other sexually transmitted diseases (Sharpe, 2012, Pg. 249). African Americans participate in the second highest percentage of HIV/AIDS cases. Among all women living with an HIV infection, 64% are Black (Sharper, 2012, p. 249). These shocking rates of HIV/AIDS and STDs among Black women may be linked to a change in their lives. It may be related to how these women live, where and with whom they live. Many of these HIV-infected black women live in poverty. Many black women have achieved economic and educational improvements in the past, but there are still some who struggle to survive. According to 2007 U.S. Census Bureau statistics, nearly 1 in 4 Black Americans (24.7%) live in poverty (Sharpe, 2012, p. 250). Because many of these women live in poverty, many live in residential neighborhoods where people have HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases. These poor communities are known to have residents who are prostitutes or people who sell drugs who may pose a risk related to this infection. Because many HIV-positive Black women live in poverty, they do not have access to good-quality health care. This may increase the risk of contracting HIV in a neighborhood....... middle of paper ...... its goal is to help reduce HIV infection and high-risk behaviors. This program uses the Black church as a key component of the process. Women who participate in sessions are more likely to improve their likelihood of reducing high-risk behaviors. Overall, numerous black women around the world suffer from HIV. Although black women have the highest rate of HIV infection, many of them have learned to live with this virus. These women did not choose to be infected. Many of them live in poverty and have no control over their lives. Some of these women live with controlling partners and are afraid to take control of their relationship. Today there are many programs that help HIV-positive women cope with the situation they find themselves in. They are raising awareness and convincing women to get tested for HIV, which can help stop this virus..