By VOICE AND VIEWPOINT NEWSWIRE
National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) on February 7 is a day to address the impact of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) on Black and African American communities and recognize the great progress Black communities have made in reducing HIV. This year’s theme is Engage, Educate, Empower: Uniting to End HIV/AIDS in Black Communities.
HIV is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Black and African Americans account for a higher proportion of people estimated to be living with HIV (42%) and deaths among people with HIV (44%) than any other racial/ethnic group in the U.S.
Black and African American communities are disproportionately affected by HIV compared to other racial and ethnic groups. For example, according to the CDC, in 2021 Black Americans only represented approximately 12% of the U.S. population, but accounted for 40% of people living with HIV.
Today, more tools and strategies than ever are available to prevent HIV including condoms and medicines like pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Testing is the only way to know if you have HIV. Use CDC’s GetTested search tool to find free, fast, and confidential HIV testing near you. Together, when we work to overcome structural barriers to HIV testing, prevention, and treatment, and stop HIV stigma, we help reduce HIV-related disparities and health inequities in Black communities.
Visit the NBHAAD Awareness Day page for resources such as the NBHAAD logo, fact sheets, and other materials. Help spark conversations about how HIV/AIDS impacts Black and African American communities on social media by using the hashtags #NBHAAD and #StopHIVTogether.
This article originally appeared in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Office of Minority Health
