Today is National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Bloggers from around the country are blogging about it. Created by the Office of Women’s Health, it is recognized on March 10th of every year with the goal is of bringing women together to encourage dialogue and educate women and girls about the increasing impact of HIV/AIDS epidemic on our lives.
Every 35 minutes, a woman tests positive for HIV in the United States. Though much progress has been made in the areas of HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, women still represent 27 percent of all new AIDS diagnoses, with African-American women making up an overwhelming 66 percent of that number. In 2006, teen girls represented 39% of AIDS cases reported among 13–19 year-olds. Black teens represented 69% of cases reported among 13–19 year-olds; Latino teens represented 19%. These startling statistics are the driving force behind the day’s message.
Today, over 1,200 blogs are all uniting to represent the courage of all the women and girls who are infected and affected with HIV/AIDS.
As you honor NWGHAAD, we ask that you take the time to ask a friend and/or family member when is the last time that they’ve been tested. Knowing your status is such an important step in the fight against HIV/AIDS. For a list of HIV testing sites, you can visit hivtest.org. Churches, sororities, fraternities and other social groups should engage in activities to encourage that friends and family are tested.
In DC, a screening of the film, The Positive Ladies Soccer Club and panel discussion will take place at the National Press Club from 6-9 pm on March 10, 2011. It is hosted the Women’s Collective and sponsored by the NAACP and the National Council of Negro Women.
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