It's National Women & Girls HIV/Aids Awareness Day

Thursday marks National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.

This year marks the 12th observance of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NWGHAAD) — an annual day dedicated to shedding light on the impact of HIV and AIDS on women and girls.

HIV and AIDS are serious public health issues in the United States. Here are the facts:

  • More than 230,000 women and girls were HIV-positive at the end of 2014
  • African-American women made up more than 61 percent of new HIV infections among women in 2015, but are only 14 percent of the female population in the nation
  • Hispanic women made up 15 percent of new HIV infections among women in 2015
  • According to a recent study, only half of female high school students used a condom the last time they had sex

in 2017, about one in four people living with HIV in the U.S. is female. Only about half of those women are receiving treatment, and only four in 10 of them have the virus under good grasp. Although many do not realize it, women face unique HIV risks and challenges that can prevent them from getting proper care and treatment. Addressing these issues remains critical to achieving an HIV and AIDS-free generation.

This year, the theme of NWGHAAD is "The Best Defense Is a Good Offense." Whether a woman is actively dating or in a committed relationship, each person can take these simple, effective steps to help prevent HIV infection for themselves and their partner.

The Office on Women's Health, under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, recommends following these guidelines to best stay protected and prepared:

  • Use condoms every time you have sex
  • Get an HIV test, which is free and confidential
  • Be monogamous
  • Do not abuse alcohol or drugs
  • Talk to your doctor about pre-exposure prophylaxis or post-exposure prophylaxis if you think you’re at risk for HIV

The Office of Women's Health (OWH) ensures that abstinence is the surest way to avoid HIV, but reiterates that these proper precautions can be taken to mitigate risks of HIV if and when a girl or woman decides to have sex. 

OWH is also encouraging individuals and groups around the nation to hold events in honor of NWGHAAD. Some ideas that they provide include organized walks, candlelight vigils, free HIV testing, school assemblies, and restroom campaigns (e.g. posting education in bathroom stalls).

To find out where you can get tested in South Florida, click here.

For resources and articles specifically tailored to younger ladies, click here.

For more information on NWGHAAD, click here.



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