African-born
African-born Persons in Minnesota
African immigration to Minnesota increased markedly during the
mid-1990s; there are an estimated 77,5571 African-born persons
living in Minnesota. However, many believe this to be an
underestimate of the true African population in Minnesota, with
some community members estimating that number at close to
100,0002.
The sheer diversity of cultures (34 different African countries are
represented among those living with HIV/AIDS in Minnesota; many
nations are home to tens of cultures within their borders) as well as
language and cultural barriers all pose significant challenges for HIV
prevention and care efforts.
Countries of Origin of
HIV+ African-born
Persons in Minnesota
Country Number HIV+
Ethiopia
241
Liberia
169
Kenya
155
Somalia
111
Cameroon
84
Sudan
66
Nigeria
46
Uganda
32
Zambia
23
(25 additional Countries)
HIV/AIDS Prevalence among African-born Persons
At the end of 2014, there were 1,109 African-born persons living with
HIV in Minnesota. Three countries (Ethiopia, Liberia, and Kenya) account for a majority (51%) of
African-born cases living in Minnesota. However, there are 31 additional countries represented
among African-born persons living with HIV in Minnesota. The characteristics of African-born
persons living with HIV/AIDS in Minnesota differ from U.S.-born, especially in gender. While
females account for 17% of cases among U.S.-born persons, they account for 57% of Africanborn cases.
New HIV Diagnoses among African born-persons
The number of new HIV infections diagnosed among African-born persons in Minnesota
increased steadily from 8 cases in 1990 to 65 cases in 2002 (data not shown). However, since
2002 those numbers have decreased with 52 cases diagnosed in 2014. Still, African-born
persons accounted for 17% of new HIV infections diagnosed in 2014, but account for an
estimated 1% of the statewide population. African-born persons have the highest rate of
infection of any of the other racial groups with 67.0 cases per 100,000 population compared to
an overall rate of 5.8 per 100,000 for the state of Minnesota.
1
2
2010-2012 American Community Survey 3-year estimates. Additional calculations by the State Demographic Center
The American Community Survey is conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau for the years in between the decennial census. Because there are
many reasons African-born persons may not be included in the census count (e.g. difficulties with verbal or written English), even 50,000 is
likely an underestimate of the actual size of the African-born population living in Minnesota. Anecdotal estimates from African community
members in Minnesota are as high as 100,000.
Minnesota HIV/AIDS Epidemiologic Profile—African-born
December 2015
Gender and Mode of Exposure
African-born persons have a
higher proportion of HIV
infections acquired through
heterosexual contact than
other racial/ethnic groups. It
is estimated that 84% of new
HIV
infections
among
African-born
males
diagnosed between 2012
and 2014 were attributable
to
heterosexual
sex.
However heterosexual sex
was not the only mode of
exposure for African-born
males; MSM accounted for
10% of new HIV infections
among African-born males
during this time period.
HIV Infections* Among African-born persons by Estimated
Mode of Exposure
2012 - 2014
African-born Females (n = 87)
African-born Males (n =49)
MSM
10%
Other
2%
Other
6%
Heterosex
84%
Heterosex
98%
n = Number of persons MSM = Men who have sex with men
IDU = Injecting drug use
Heterosex = Heterosexual contact with someone with or at risk for HIV
Other = Hemophilia, transplant, transfusion, mother w/ HIV or HIV risk
*HIV or AIDS at first diagnosis
Heterosexual contact with a partner who has or is at increased risk for HIV infection is
estimated to account for 98% of cases among African-born females during 2012-2014. Africanborn women accounted for the largest number of new infections among women during this
time period.
HIV Treatment Cascade among African-born persons
There were 1,032 HIV positive African-born persons included in the treatment cascade
analyses. African-born persons living with HIV in Minnesota have lower percentages of
retention in care and viral suppression when compared to the overall cascade in Minnesota.
Viral suppression among African-born persons is 57% compared to 63% overall in Minnesota.
Compared to other racial/ethnic groups, African-born persons have similar outcomes as other
persons of color, but lower engagement in care than white non-Hispanic persons.
There were 42 cases among African-born persons reported in 2013 that were included in the
linkage to care calculation. African-born persons have a similar percentage of linkage to care
than the overall cascade at 87%.
Minnesota HIV/AIDS Epidemiologic Profile—African-born
December 2015
Percentage of African-born persons diagnosed with HIV
engaged in selected stages of the continuum of care, 2014–
Minnesota
100%
90%
100%
100%
95%
87%
80%
72%
70%
68%
63%
57%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Overall Cascade
PLWH
Linkage to Care
n=7,728
Retention in Care
African-born
Viral Suppression
n=1,032
Minnesota HIV/AIDS Epidemiologic Profile—African-born
December 2015