National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is an annual American holiday dedicated to raising awareness of these diseases among Native American populations. It is observed on March 20.

History

The holiday impacts members of the Native American population, including Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians. Many of them live in their own communities, often refusing many government services. Low awareness of the human immunodeficiency virus leads to an increase in cases of infection in their environments. The holiday aims to rectify this. Health care representatives from various organizations are involved in it.

The holiday has been observed annually since 2007. It was initiated by the National Native H.I.V. Network, which aims not only to raise awareness about the disease but also to provide free testing and therapy for Native people, among other services.

Interesting facts

• The virus is transmitted sexually and through blood. The second mode of infection is common among drug addicts and in places with underdeveloped medical practices. Lack of disinfection of medical instruments and the reuse of syringes can lead to infection.
• The first symptoms of the disease may not appear until 8-10 years after infection. The virus is very insidious, making T-lymphocytes work against the body itself, destroying it.
• In the early stage of HIV diagnosis, the disease can be successfully controlled. When the disease is detected at the AIDS stage, everything is much more complicated. Nevertheless, with proper treatment, people with this disease can live a normal life and die a natural death.

How to celebrate

If you know someone in the indigenous community, help organize events in the local community to raise awareness of the disease. Support organizations that raise funds to treat people with HIV/AIDS in the Native American population financially.

Spread the word on social media. Let more people know about it.

When is National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day in 2025?

National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is observed on March 20 each year.

Observations