AIDS, HIV Spreading in New Mexico Pueblos

Sometimes Peter Haloo IV wishes he'd wake up and his battle with AIDS would be nothing more than a dream. The Zuni Pueblo member was diagnosed with AIDS on Nov. 26, 1996. Today Haloo, who takes 18 pills a day to fight the disease, is working to open the eyes of his tribe. He said he has already given several presentations to various groups, including high school students, about his experience. "It could wipe us out," he warned.

Native Americans represent 6 percent of New Mexico's total cases. And, as in other parts of the country, there is concern that the number of cases will climb higher, according to Yvonne Davis, HIV/AIDS program director for the All Indian Pueblo Council. Davis, who helps provide prevention services to all 19 New Mexico pueblos, said many American Indians believe they are safe. "The biggest misconception is that it's not affecting our pueblos and communities," she said.

Figures released last fall by the CDC showed the rate of AIDS is higher among American Indians than among whites -- 11.3 per 100,000 people, compared to 9 per 100,000 for whites -- prompting the US surgeon general to call HIV/AIDS a "time bomb" among Indians. The growth in New Mexico is difficult to document accurately because of a change in reporting. In 1998, the state began to require doctors and clinics to report HIV infections as well as AIDS. Jill Gatwood, HIV/AIDS surveillance coordinator for the Department of Health, said that while three new AIDS cases were reported among American Indians in 1990, there were 22 new cases of HIV and AIDS in this population last year.

Davis said a major contributor of the disease is alcohol, which reduces many inhibitions. She said she's helped more than 100 HIV/AIDS patients, and, with the exception of one person, each said his or her exposure to the virus started with alcohol abuse. "Alcohol impairs driving abilities, impairs judgment or the decision to use a condom," Davis explained. San Ildefonso Pueblo Gov. John Gonzales said it is evident people still aren't taking proper precautions. "People think it won't happen to them," Gonzales said. "There is teen pregnancy here, which means no protection is being used."

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