National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

The National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day started on March 10, 2005. This day highlights the impact HIV and AIDS has on women and girls, and ongoing efforts to reduce HIV and AIDS among women and girls in the United States.  

HIV and AIDS is a leading cause of death among women of reproductive age and the leading cause of death in women and adolescent girls aged 15-49 years globally (see Women and HIV [PDF] from UNAIDS). In 2019, it was estimated that 19% of new HIV diagnoses were among women living in the United States and its dependent areas (CDC). Black/African American women are disproportionately affected by HIV compared to women of other races and ethnicities. In 2019, Black/African American women accounted for 54% of new HIV cases among women. One in 10 U.S. women have HIV and are unaware they are infected. It is important to get tested for HIV to know your status. Women who do not know they have HIV cannot get the treatment and care they need to stay healthy.

The theme for 2023 is “Prevention and testing at every age. Care and treatment at every stage." The focus is on two goals: prevention of new HIV infections and improving HIV-related health outcomes of people living with HIV. Browse the links on this page to learn more about this annual observance and to find HIV and AIDS-related information specific to women and girls. For more information about the disparities in HIV, see our page on the National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.  

The U.S. Government observes the National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, and it is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health.