Washington, D.C. — HIV and AIDS awareness days play a crucial role in educating both the general public and specific communities about the impact of the virus and the importance of prevention and treatment.To help you stay informed and engaged, we’ve compiled a list of upcoming awareness days along with their respective hashtags. Feel free to download and share the awareness poster here.
February
7 – National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (#NBHAAD)
According to the CDC, Black people account for 40% of estimated HIV infections in the U.S. NBHAAD focuses on raising awareness of HIV testing, prevention, and treatment in communities of color.
28 – HIV Is Not a Crime Awareness Day (#HIVisNotaCrime)
This day aims to raise awareness of outdated and discriminatory HIV-specific laws, especially those impacting Black, Latino, and LGBTQ communities, as well as individuals engaged in sex work.
March
10 – National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (#NWGHAAD)
Highlighting the need for prevention efforts among women and girls, this day emphasizes equity in HIV care and treatment.
19 – National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (#NNHAAD)
Observed on the first day of spring, NNHAAD combats HIV-related stigma in Indigenous communities and encourages testing and awareness.
April
10 – National Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Day (#NYHAAD)
Launched to engage young people on HIV and AIDS topics, recognizing that ages 13 to 34 accounted for over half of new U.S. HIV diagnoses in 2021.
18 – National Transgender HIV Testing Day (#NTHTD)
Addressing the disproportionate impact of HIV on the transgender community, this day emphasizes routine testing and ongoing prevention efforts.
May
18 – HIV Vaccine Awareness Day (#HVAD)
Led by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, HVAD showcases progress in the search for a safe and effective HIV vaccine, educating communities about the importance of vaccine research.
19 – National Asian & Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (#APIMay19)
Highlighting how HIV uniquely affects Asians and Pacific Islanders, this day promotes testing, treatment, and conversations about HIV in these communities.
19 – Hepatitis Testing Day (#HepTestingDay)
Addressing the link between HIV and hepatitis, this day aims to increase awareness of various hepatitis types and encourage testing.
June
5 – HIV Long-Term Survivors Awareness Day (#HLTSAD)
Honoring long-term survivors of HIV, this day raises awareness of their challenges and advocates for resources to meet their specific needs.
27 – National HIV Testing Day (#HIVTestingDay)
A reminder to learn the facts about HIV and get tested, especially as approximately 13% of people living with HIV are unaware of their status.
July
21 – Zero HIV Stigma Day (#ZeroHIVStigmaDay)
A joint initiative to highlight the negative impacts of HIV-related stigma worldwide and promote strategies to combat it.
August
20 – Southern HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (#SHAAD)
With more than 50% of new HIV diagnoses in the South, SHAAD raises awareness of the HIV crisis in the region and advocates for resources to address it.
25 – National Faith HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (#NFHAAD)
Bringing together people of all faiths, NFHAAD aims to raise awareness and fight against HIV, recognizing its impact across diverse religious communities.
September
9 – National African Immigrants and Refugee HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis Awareness Day (#NAIRHHADay)
Drawing national attention to the HIV and viral hepatitis needs of African immigrants, this day addresses unique issues through awareness, education, and resources.
18 – National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day (#HIVandAging)
Promoting HIV education and testing for adults aged 50 and older, considering more than half of people living with HIV in the U.S. fall into this age group.
27 – National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (#NGMHAAD)
Focusing on gay and bisexual men, who accounted for 70% of new HIV infections in 2021, this day encourages testing, raises awareness, and supports dialogue about prevention and treatment.
October
15 – National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day (#NLAAD)
Addressing the impact on the Latino community, NLAAD unites and mobilizes to promote HIV testing and education.
December
1 – World AIDS Day (#WorldAIDSDay)
A global day of solidarity, World AIDS Day unites people worldwide to fight against HIV, express support for those living with the virus, and remember those lost to the epidemic.
Stay tuned for more updates on these awareness days and join the conversation using the respective hashtags.
Together, we can make a difference in the fight against HIV.
Source: POZ.com – Original Article
