National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is annually celebrated on March 20^th to bring groups from across the United States together to increase education and provide support in communities across the country.

History of National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

The number of American Indians and Alaska Natives are diagnosed with HIV is quickly increasing. Between 2011 and 2015, the total number of HIV diagnoses increased by 38% among Native Americans and 54% among indigenous gay and bisexual men. It is estimated that there is about 81% of Native Americans living with diagnosed HIV, and approximately 85% of people living with HIV (PLHIV). And they are less likely to get care: 58 % of Native Americans living with HIV receiving HIV care (compared to 63% of people living with HIV in the general population); 45% are in ongoing care (versus 49%) and 47% are contained by the virus (versus 51%).

Indigenous populations are at higher risk of HIV infection for several reasons. Creating prevention programs can be difficult because of the great cultural diversity, with more than 560 federally recognized indigenous tribes and 170 languages. American Indians and Alaska Natives have the second-highest rates of chlamydia and gonorrhea of ​​any ethnic group in the United States, and other sexually transmitted infections increase the likelihood of infection. HIV. Impediments to mental health treatment and high rates of poverty and substance use also increase the risk of HIV infection and create barriers to care.

 And stigma, misinformation and homophobia - especially in rural areas and reservations - continue to fuel the epidemic. Native Americans often sought medical care in Indian Health Service clinics and feared clashing with family members and the community working there; this discourages many people from seeking HIV testing and treatment. Infectious disease specialists also often have to dispel teen myths about sex, as the state is one of the few that does not mandate comprehensive sex education. Together with academic medical centers in these regions, Health Services India's National HIV/AIDS Program is working to address some of these issues.

How to celebrate National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

Organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Indigenous Capacity Building Support Network promote the day. They issue press releases, display posters, and host community events during the day. The National Native American AIDS Center (NNAAPC) also partners with various organizations across the country to celebrate the day. Attend events. Learn more about prevention and screening. Join your chats and communities to raise awareness.

Each year, communities of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and Hawaiians:

• Encourage native people to learn more about HIV/AIDS and its impact on their life.
• Work together to promote HIV counseling and testing options in Indigenous communities.
• Helps to remove the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS.

Use #NativeHIVAIDSAwarnessDay to post on social media.