Annual awareness days help to educate the general public and specific communities about HIV/AIDS. Click on the links for more info and use the hashtags shown to promote them on social media.
February 7
National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
#NBHAAD
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), of the estimated 1.2 million Americans currently living with HIV, 42% are Black. The goal of NBHAAD is to raise awareness of HIV testing, prevention and treatment in communities of color.
February 28
HIV Is Not a Crime Awareness Day
#HIVisNotaCrime
Launched by the Sero Project, this awareness day aims to raise awareness of HIV criminalization laws in the country and amplify the work of those trying to reform them.
March 10
National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
#NWGHAAD
According to the CDC, women made up 19% of new U.S. HIV diagnoses in 2019. This awareness day recognizes the impact of HIV and AIDS on women and girls.
March 20
National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
#NNHAAD
Observed on the first day of spring, this day honors American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians and is intended to empower these groups to get tested and raise awareness of HIV in their communities.
April 10
National Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Day
#NYHAAD
This awareness day was launched to engage those under age 25 on the topic of HIV and AIDS. According to the CDC, about 21% of new U.S. HIV diagnoses in 2019 were among 13- to 24-year-olds.
April 18
National Transgender HIV Testing Day
#TransHIV
HIV and AIDS disproportionately affect transgender people. This awareness day recognizes the importance of routine testing and a continued focus on HIV prevention and treatment among people who are transgender and nonbinary.
May 18
#HVAD
Led by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, HVAD showcases the progress made in the search for a safe and effective HIV vaccine. It also marks an opportunity to educate communities about the importance of vaccine research.
May 19
National Asian & Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
#APIMay19
Created by the Banyan Tree Project, a project of API Wellness, the day presents an opportunity to highlight how HIV uniquely affects the Asian and Pacific Islander populations. The goal of this awareness day is to break down the stigma of discussing HIV among these communities.
May 19
#HepTestingDay
Approximately one in five people living with HIV nationwide also have hepatitis C, and people at risk for HIV are also at risk for hepatitis B. Hepatitis Testing Day aims to provide support for those living with viral hepatitis, to increase awareness of the various types of the virus and to encourage testing.
June 5
HIV Long-Term Survivors Awareness Day
#HLTSAD
First observed in 2014, this awareness day honors long-term survivors of HIV, highlights the challenges faced by the community and advocates for resources on their behalf..
June 27
#HIVTestingDay
According to the CDC, approximately 13% of people living with HIV don’t know they have the virus. This awareness day serves as a reminder to people of all ages to learn the facts about HIV and get tested for the virus.
July 21
#ZeroHIVStigmaDay
This global awareness day highlights the stigma experienced by people living with and affected by HIV. It was launched in honor of Prudence Mabele, the first Black South African woman to publicly share her HIV status.
August 20
Southern HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
#SHAAD
More than 50% of new HIV diagnoses are in the South. SHAAD raises awareness of the HIV crisis in the region and provides an opportunity to advocate for resources to address it.
Last Sunday in August
National Faith HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
#NFHAAD
HIV affects people of all faiths across the United States. The goal of NFHAAD, which is observed on the last Sunday in August, is to bring together Muslims, Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus and members of other religions to fight the virus.
September 18
National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day
#HIVandAging
According to the CDC, more than half of people living with HIV in the United States are ages 50 and older. This national awareness day encourages HIV testing and HIV education for all older adults.
September 27
National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
#NGMHAAD
According to the CDC, gay and bisexual men accounted for 69% of new HIV diagnoses in 2019. NGMHAAD is a time to raise awareness of and support dialogue about HIV prevention and treatment and the unique needs of this population.
October 15
National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day
#NLAAD
According to the CDC, one in six Latinos living with HIV in the United States are unaware that they have the virus. NLAAD aims to unite and mobilize the community to raise awareness and promote HIV testing and education.
December 1
#WorldAIDSDay
About 38.4 million people across the globe were living with HIV in 2021, according to UNAIDS. On this awareness day, the world comes together to show solidarity in the fight against HIV, to express support for those living with the virus and to remember those lost to the epidemic.
For additional links and resources for HIV/AIDS awareness days, visit HIV.gov.
Last Reviewed: January 13, 2023
