Inspiring action on National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day for close to 20 years
On October 15, National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD) recognizes the disproportionate impact of HIV on Hispanic and Latino communities. This is an opportunity to unite the community to increase awareness and spark conversations to promote testing and prevention against HIV among the Latinx faces behind the HIV epidemic.
Why is this day important?
Latino Commission on AIDS and Hispanic Federation established NLAAD in 2003 in response to the increase of HIV/AIDS affecting Latinx communities.
Since then, progression has been made, but those communities continue to experience disproportionate HIV rates.
In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2019, Hispanics and Latinos represented 18% of the U.S. population but 25% of people with HIV. In this same year, the Latinx community accounted for 21% of late HIV diagnoses.
Although the overall number of HIV diagnoses in the U.S. is decreasing, the lack of testing and treatment among Hispanic and Latino communities is a concern. According to AIDS Vu, only 51 % of Hispanics and Latino individuals reported ever being tested for HIV.
What is causing this disparity?
Many barriers prevent Hispanic and Latino people from getting a HIV test or receiving and maintaining care.
Social and structural barriers, such as racism, HIV stigma and homophobia place community members at greater risk of HIV.
Additionally, other barriers that prevent Latinx people from getting proper treatment include:
Unaware of their HIV status
One in six Hispanic or Latino people does not know their HIV status. Without knowing you are HIV-positive, you cannot access treatment to prevent the spread of the virus and continue living a positive life.
Take Control HIV offers free, confidential testing to everyone. Find a testing site near you. If you are positive, we encourage you to get into care and stay in care.
Social and economic issues
Hispanic and Latino community members may have difficulty accessing quality health care due to poverty, lower educational levels and language barriers.
Take Control HIV offers resources to connect you with care whether you have insurance.
Mistrust in the healthcare system
Hispanic and Latino people are the least likely racial or ethnic groups to seek medical attention due to a high level of mistrust of the healthcare system.
Take Control HIV will refer you to trusted providers within our network to support you on your journey.
Latinx people need to get tested and know their status to receive treatment.
You may be thinking: Why?
HIV medication can reduce viral load and even make you undetectable – meaning the virus cannot be transmitted to sex partners.
Learn more about what it means to reach an undetectable HIV status and how to get there.
What action can we take to help?
Fight the stigma surrounding HIV by spreading awareness and educating others about prevention, testing and treatment options.
Start by knowing your status and encourage the ones around you to do the same. Don’t let the fear of a positive result keep you from knowing your status.
It’s also important to understand your HIV test results and know the following steps to take to get and stay in care.
By connecting the Latinx community to care, we can improve the overall well-being of our entire community. Visit www.TakeControlHIV.com for confidential HIV testing, treatment, and other resources.
