National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NGMHAAD) aims to increase awareness about how HIV impacts gay and bisexual men in the United States and encourage HIV testing, prevention, and treatment services in these populations. First recognized in 2008 by the National Association of People with AIDS, the observance also offers an opportunity to address HIV-related stigma.

Gay and bisexual men accounted for 79.8% of new HIV diagnoses in the United States and dependent areas in 2024, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Within this population, disparities persist among Black and African American and Hispanic or Latino gay and bisexual men, who received more new HIV diagnoses in 2024 than gay and bisexual men in other groups. In addition, young men aged 13–24 with HIV are more likely to be unaware of their HIV status than men of different age groups. Multiple challenges—such as racism, discrimination, and stigma—contribute to these disproportionate impacts.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) HIV research program supports research to better understand and reduce HIV-related health differences based on sexual orientation, as well as other factors such as race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and age. NIH-supported research also aims to increase access to HIV testing, prevention, and treatment services and encourage treatment adherence.