On March 10, 2026, the United States observes National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NWGHAAD), an annual awareness day dedicated to highlighting the impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls and promoting prevention, testing, treatment, and care specifically for them.
Established in 2004 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Office on Women’s Health, this day addresses the fact that women and girls — particularly Black and Latina women — continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV in the United States. Women account for about 19–20% of new HIV diagnoses annually, with Black women bearing the heaviest burden despite making up only 13% of the female population.
The observance aims to:
- Increase awareness of HIV risk and prevention among women and girls
- Encourage HIV testing and early diagnosis
- Promote access to treatment and care
- Reduce stigma surrounding HIV
- Highlight the importance of PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), U=U (undetectable = untransmittable), and sexual health education
Significance in 2026:
- The day continues the national effort under the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative, with a strong focus on closing racial and gender disparities.
- In 2026, the observance highlights the intersection of HIV with other issues affecting women, such as gender-based violence, reproductive health, economic inequality, and barriers to healthcare.
- It calls for greater investment in women-centered prevention strategies and support services.
Observances and Activities:
- Community events: Health departments, community organizations, churches, HBCUs, and women’s groups host health fairs, free HIV testing events, workshops, and panel discussions focused on women’s sexual health.
- Awareness campaigns: The hashtag #NWGHAAD trends on social media, with women sharing stories, facts, and messages of empowerment. Many organizations distribute educational materials, condoms, and information about PrEP and PEP.
- Educational programs: Schools, colleges, and women’s health clinics run special sessions on HIV prevention, consent, and healthy relationships. Many events feature women living with HIV as speakers to reduce stigma.
- Policy and advocacy: Advocates use the day to call for increased funding for women-focused HIV programs, better access to healthcare, and policies addressing the social determinants that drive disparities.
- Symbolic acts: Many wear red ribbons (the symbol of HIV/AIDS awareness), light candles in memory of those lost, or participate in virtual or in-person “Red Dress” events symbolizing women and HIV.
National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is not a public holiday but a vital awareness and mobilization day — a time when the nation focuses specifically on the needs, risks, and strength of women and girls in the fight against HIV.
A central message of the day: “Women and girls deserve to live healthy, empowered lives — free from HIV.”
On March 10, the United States shines a light on women and girls affected by HIV/AIDS and renews its commitment to prevention, care, and ending the epidemic with equity and compassion. 🇺🇸