National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (March 10)

Thursday, March 10th is the 15th annual observance of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NWGHAAD), a day to shed light on the impact of HIV and AIDS on women and girls and show support for those at risk of and living with HIV. The theme for NWGHAAD 2022 is: Prevention and Testing at Every Age. Care and Treatment at Every Stage. Learn more about this year’s theme from the Office on Women’s Health.

In the United States, about 23% of people living with HIV are women and, in 2018, women made up 19 percent of new diagnoses. The highest number of new diagnoses were among women ages 25 to 44. Though HIV diagnoses among women have declined in recent years, 7,000 (19% of all diagnoses) women received an HIV diagnosis in the United States and dependent areas in 2018. African-American and Hispanic women remain especially vulnerable to infection. Black women accounted for the largest share of new HIV diagnoses among women in the U.S. in 2018. Social barriers such as racism, discrimination, and HIV stigma have a major impact on health and well-being.

Poverty, stigma, medical mistrust, and fear of discrimination prevent some women from seeking and receiving high-quality health care, including HIV testing, treatment, and other prevention services. Addressing these barriers and encouraging safe and supportive communities can help improve health outcomes for women.

An estimated 14% of transgender women have HIV. Transgender women experience stigma and discrimination and often encounter healthcare providers or clinics lacking knowledge of transgender issues or proper inclusive language. These all pose obstacles to HIV testing, prevention, and care that can be addressed among transgender women.

Learn more about transgender women and inclusive HIV care with HIV Learning Network’s on-demand webinar Transgender and Cisgender Women’s Perspectives on Trans-Inclusive HIV Care for Women, given by Jae Sevelius, PhD, Clinical Psychologist, Center for AIDS Prevention Studies (CAPS), and Associate Professor of Medicine, UCSF.

Greater Than AIDS

We’d also like to recognize Greater Than AIDS, who have elevated the conversation around ending HIV stigma and empowerment this National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Click here to hear watch Grammy Award-winning artist Alicia Keys in conversation with five inspiring women living with HIV here in America, about love, life and finding empowerment.

Additional Resources

Get the latest data on HIV among women by downloading the CDC’s HIV and Women fact sheet here.

Learn more about HIV and Women risk behaviors, diagnoses, knowledge of status, prevention challenges, and more.