About National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

Every year on March 10 — and throughout the month of March — local, state, federal, and national organizations come together to show support for women and girls impacted by HIV and AIDS. National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NWGHAAD) sheds light on the impact of HIV and AIDS on women and girls. This year marks the 13th annual observance.

We've made tremendous progress against HIV and AIDS in the U.S., but women remain vulnerable to infection — especially African-American and Hispanic women. Any woman who has sex can get HIV, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, or sexual orientation. Currently, there are 1.1 million people in the U.S. living with HIV, and nearly a quarter of them are women (23%).

The 2018 NWGHAAD theme, "HIV Prevention Starts With Me," emphasizes the role everyone plays in HIV prevention—community organizations, health care professionals, and women and men, including those living with HIV. There are steps you can take to protect yourself, partner, patients, family, and neighbors.

To learn more, visit What every woman needs to know about HIV, What every girl needs to know about HIV, or the National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day fact sheet.

What can you do on March 10?

• Talk about HIV and AIDS in your community and online using these NWGHAAD materials and resources.
• Show your support for women and girls affected by HIV and AIDS on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or Tumblr; and use the hashtags #NWGHAAD and #ICanStopHIV.
• Donate a Facebook post or tweet.