Raising Awareness: National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

Highlighting Women’s Health in the Fight Against HIV

As the country observes National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on March 10, it becomes imperative to recognize that nearly a quarter of all people living with HIV in the U.S. are women. This troubling statistic has been compounded in recent years, with the highest incidence of new diagnoses among women aged 25 to 44, particularly young Black women.

The Untold Risks

Statistics from the CDC show that young Black women are among the fastest-growing demographics for new HIV diagnoses. Notably, LGBTQ women, often underestimated in their risk for HIV infection, face elevated risks due to numerous factors, including less access to healthcare, penetrative sex, and potential exposure to violence.

Sisters with a Voice: A Beacon of Hope

This year’s theme, “Hope, Health, and Healing: Overcoming Barriers to HIV/AIDS Treatment for Women and Girls,” encapsulates the mission of Sisters with a Voice (SWAV) at AID Atlanta. SWAV is dedicated to providing support groups, educational seminars, and workshops for women living with HIV, helping to foster a sense of community and shared experience.

Nicole Roebuck, Executive Director of AID Atlanta, stated, “One of the greatest things about the SWAV program is that it builds a community and sisterhood. The women get to support each other and share best practices in becoming better women.”

Bridging the Gap to Care

The scope of SWAV extends beyond HIV-positive women, reaching out to ‘HIV-possible women’ to dismantle barriers to care. Imara Canady, National Communications Director of AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), emphasized the need for women to realize the importance of regular HIV testing even when they feel relatively healthy.

Personal Stories of Strength

Among the program’s participants, Irene shared her experience: “I was diagnosed in 2007, and I didn’t have anybody. When you have women that understand exactly what you’re going through, it’s so much easier to relate and express your feelings.”

Get Involved

For those wishing to become part of the SWAV community or learn more about available resources, interested individuals can reach out to AID Atlanta at 404-870-7760 or via email at angela.deloney@aidatlanta.org. You can also support their initiatives by visiting aidatlanta.org/swav.