Eliminating health disparities: a literature review on the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Blacks are disproportionately affected by the acquired immuno deficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic. AIDS intervention programs are efficacious in Whites but not in Blacks thereby widening health disparities. Although commonly cited factors contributing to the epidemic are socioeconomic, other key factors need consideration. These are a lack of cultural competence in intervention programs and a lack of racially diverse health-workforce. These factors are evaluated to provide insights into avenues for limiting health disparities. In conclusion, the development of a racially diverse health-workforce is crucial to reducing racial health disparity. The goal is ultimately to create a medical establishment that represents an 'even-playing 'field as a way of bypassing the need for cultural competency hence eliminating racial disparities in healthcare.