National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NWGHAAD) is an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness about the impact of HIV and AIDS on women and girls. It serves as a platform for local, state, federal, and national organizations to come together to shed light on the challenges faced by women and girls affected by HIV/AIDS and to show support for those at risk of and living with HIV.

Quick Facts

When is it?: March 10th annually
Tagged as: NWGHAAD
What’s the hashtag?: #NWGHAAD
When was it founded?: 2005
Who founded it?: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health (OWH)

History of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day was first observed in 2005 to highlight the ongoing efforts to improve HIV prevention, treatment, and care services among women and girls. The day was established in response to the disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS on women, particularly women of color, young women, and transgender women. In the 1980s, HIV was primarily associated with gay men, which led to discrimination and stigma that delayed and hindered care and research for women. By 1988, HIV/AIDS had become the eighth leading cause of death among women of reproductive age, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and action.

Timeline

2005: First observance of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
2023: NIH Office of AIDS Research and Office of Research on Women’s Health launched the HIV and Women Signature Program
2024: 19th annual observance with the theme “Prevention and Testing at Every Age. Care and Treatment at Every Stage”

Dates by Next Year (2025 to 2030)

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	March 10	Monday
2026	March 10	Tuesday
2027	March 10	Wednesday
2028	March 10	Friday
2029	March 10	Saturday
2030	March 10	Sunday

Observed

National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is observed throughout the United States and involves various activities including educational events, online campaigns, and community outreach programs. The day emphasizes the importance of HIV prevention, testing, and improved outcomes for people with HIV, with a particular focus on women and girls. Organizations and individuals participate by sharing information on social media, hosting workshops, and conducting HIV testing events.

Fun Facts About National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

The theme “Prevention and Testing at Every Age. Care and Treatment at Every Stage” has been used for multiple years to emphasize the importance of HIV prevention and care across women’s lifespans.
In the United States, about 23% of people living with HIV are women.
In 2021, women made up 20% of new HIV diagnoses in the United States.
Despite representing 18% of all new HIV diagnoses, women made up only 8% of PrEP users in 2021.

Quiz

When is National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day observed?
What percentage of people living with HIV in the United States are women?
What is the hashtag used for National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day?
Who leads the National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day observance?

(Answers: 1. March 10th, 2. About 23%, 3. #NWGHAAD, 4. The Office on Women’s Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)

FAQs

What is the purpose of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day?
The purpose is to raise awareness about the impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls, promote prevention efforts, and support those living with HIV/AIDS.

How can I participate in National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day?
You can participate by sharing information on social media using the hashtag #NWGHAAD, attending or organizing awareness events, getting tested for HIV, and educating others about HIV prevention and treatment.

Why is there a specific awareness day for women and girls?
Women and girls, particularly those of color, face unique challenges related to HIV/AIDS and are often underrepresented in HIV research and prevention efforts. This day helps to address these disparities and ensure that women’s specific needs are recognized and addressed.

Importance of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day plays a crucial role in highlighting the unique challenges women face in HIV prevention, testing, and treatment. It helps to address disparities in healthcare access and outcomes, particularly for women of color and young women who are disproportionately affected. The day also promotes education about transmission during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding, which are specific concerns for women. By increasing awareness, this observance contributes to reducing stigma, encouraging testing, and improving access to prevention tools like PrEP, ultimately working toward the national goal of ending the HIV epidemic by 2030.