National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NWGHAAD) -- March 10, 2009

• What is NWGHAAD?
• When is NWGHAAD?
• Why celebrate NWGHAAD?
• How can I celebrate NWGHAAD?

What is NWGHAAD?

Poster for National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (PDF) Click to enlarge.

National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NWGHAAD) is a nationwide initiative coordinated by the Office on Women's Health (OWH) to raise awareness of the increasing impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls. It serves as an opportunity for organizations across the country to come together to provide support, encourage discussion, and educate women and girls about prevention, the importance of getting tested, and how to lead a normal, healthy life despite being infected.

When is NWGHAAD?

NWGHAAD will be celebrated on March 10, 2009, but we encourage you to hold events throughout the month of March.

Why celebrate NWGHAAD?

HIV/AIDS among women and girls is not just an international problem -- it affects women right here in the United States. In addition, the number of U.S. women and girls living with HIV is on the rise. In the mid 1980s, less than 15 percent of new HIV infections in the United States were among women and girls ages 13 years and older; by 2006, it was about 27 percent.

By holding NWGHAAD events and helping OWH celebrate the initiative, we can bring attention to the impact of this disease and encourage women to get tested regularly and know their status. We can also let women know that despite being infected, they can live life to the fullest.

How can I celebrate NWGHAAD?

There are a variety of ways to celebrate NWGHAAD. Hold a screening event or health fair, work with your local government official to issue a proclamation declaring March 10 National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day in your community, or work with local media to create awareness and cultivate stories about the impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls.