H. Brimah; Mississippi Delta Doctor Cared for HIV Patients

Hamza Brimah, a doctor credited with dramatically improving health care for HIV patients in the Mississippi Delta, has died. He was believed to be 40.

Brimah, a Nigerian who received training in AIDS care in London and New York, was found dead of a gunshot wound to his head Monday at his home in Greenwood, Miss., authorities said.

Sheriff’s deputies found a note from Brimah specifying his burial wishes. The coroner ruled the death a suicide.

“It’s a big loss to the community because he was very much involved in improving the quality of life here in the Delta,” said Dr. Alfio Rausa, a health officer who worked frequently with Brimah to promote HIV and AIDS prevention.

The region, one of the poorest areas in the nation, has one of the highest HIV infection rates in Mississippi.

Before Brimah started a local HIV program in 1997, many HIV patients in the Delta had to travel up to 90 miles to Jackson for treatment.

Brimah opened his clinic in 1997 with about 10 HIV-infected patients. By September 2001, there were nearly 200.

His efforts to care for his patients were bolstered in the last year or so by a $1-million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to provide primary care services for low-income people living with HIV.

Brimah is survived by his wife and two children.