Addressing social determinants and reducing HIV-related health disparities through a community mobilization model

Issue Reducing HIV/AIDS disparities, primarily those based on social and structural factors, has long been a public health priority in the United States. One of the primary goals of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy for the United States (NHAS) is reducing HIV-related health disparities, particularly among underserved communities. Recent developments led by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the CDC National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STDs, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP) have advanced the discourse about social determinants and the ‘causes of the causes' of health inequities, however underserved communities lack a framework to best address these inequities. Description In July 2010 in line with the NHAS, the authors began implementing a community mobilization model and framework to facilitate communities 1) in articulating the underlying social determinants influencing HIV risk within their population and 2) in identifying action steps to address these specific determinants and creating sustainable structural change through community coalitions. Lessons Learned Community coalitions are well positioned to address social determinants through sustainable structural change. Decisions should be community-driven; however, outside technical assistance is critical. Coalitions also require translation of key concepts around social determinants, in order to establish a shared language about how to affect HIV/AIDS disparities in the community context. Recommendations Comprehensive prevention platforms that address social determinants and harness the power of community are critical to advancing efforts around HIV-related health equity.