National Youth HIV and AIDS Awareness Day

National Youth HIV and AIDS Awareness Day (NYHAAD) is an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness about the impact of HIV and AIDS on young people aged 13-24. This day aims to educate the public and policymakers about the challenges faced by youth regarding HIV/AIDS while highlighting prevention, testing, and treatment campaigns specifically for this demographic.

Quick Facts

When is it?: April 10th annually
Tagged as: NYHAAD
What’s the hashtag?: #NYHAAD
When was it founded?: 2013
Who founded it?: Advocates for Youth

History of National Youth HIV and AIDS Awareness Day

National Youth HIV and AIDS Awareness Day was established to address the disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS on young people. The day serves as a reminder that investing in youth health and education is critical to achieving an AIDS-free generation. Since its inception, NYHAAD has been instrumental in generating conversations and spotlighting work being done to reduce HIV and AIDS among young people.

Timeline

1930s: HIV is believed to have originated from a virus particular to chimpanzees in West Africa
1980s: HIV was discovered and recognized as a global health issue
2013: First National Youth HIV and AIDS Awareness Day observed
2021: Data showed youth aged 13-24 accounted for 19% of all new HIV diagnoses in the US

Dates by Next Year (2025 to 2030)

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

Observed

National Youth HIV and AIDS Awareness Day is observed through various activities including educational events, testing drives, social media campaigns, and community outreach programs. Organizations like Advocates for Youth coordinate a week of action surrounding the day, with events running from April 5-11. The day encourages young voices and peer-to-peer education as powerful tools in fighting the AIDS epidemic.

Fun Facts About National Youth HIV and AIDS Awareness Day

Today’s youth have never known a world without HIV. Despite this, awareness and testing rates remain low, with only 6% of high school students ever having been tested for HIV. The good news is that data shows declines in sexual risk behaviors among youth from 2005 to 2015, with fewer high school students reporting being sexually active.

Quiz

What percentage of new HIV diagnoses in 2021 were among young people aged 13-24?
What is the hashtag used for National Youth HIV and AIDS Awareness Day?
In what year was the first National Youth HIV and AIDS Awareness Day observed?

(Answers: 1. 19%, 2. #NYHAAD, 3. 2013)

FAQs

Q: Why is there a specific awareness day for youth and HIV/AIDS?
A: Young people face unique challenges regarding HIV/AIDS, including lack of comprehensive sex education, stigma, and limited access to testing. They represent a significant portion of new HIV diagnoses yet have the lowest rates of HIV status awareness and testing.

Q: How can I participate in National Youth HIV and AIDS Awareness Day?
A: You can participate by sharing information on social media using #NYHAAD, organizing or attending educational events, getting tested for HIV, and encouraging others to do the same.

Q: Where can youth get tested for HIV?
A: Young people can get tested at local health departments, community health centers, school-based health centers, and through resources like the HIV Testing Sites & Care Services Locator.

Importance of National Youth HIV and AIDS Awareness Day

NYHAAD is crucial because young people, particularly those from marginalized communities, continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV. Black youth accounted for 53% of new youth HIV diagnoses in 2021. Additionally, young people have the greatest unmet need for PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) among all age groups. This awareness day helps address health inequities, combat stigma, and promote access to prevention, testing, and treatment services for youth.