HHS encourages women and girls to take action against HIV/AIDS

Today, National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day observes females nationwide, and encourages people to take action in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Coordinated by the US Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women’s Health (OWH), this day is meant to highlight the importance of developing products that women and girls could use independently of their sexual partners to protect themselves from HIV.

According to the OWH, more than 278,000 women and teenage girls in the US are infected with HIV, and an estimated 101,000 women and girls have died of AIDS since the disease was first recognized.

In the US, the majority of women become infected with HIV through sex, often in settings where refusing sex or insisting on condom use is not an option because of cultural factors, financial dependence or even the threat of violence. Therefore, the OWH supports research of products for women to protect themselves from HIV.

“While men account for most HIV/AIDS cases, the impact on women is growing. In addition, research shows that, when compared to men, women face gaps in access and care,” according to the OWH.

Nationwide, organizations will come together today to offer support, encourage discussion, and teach women and girls about prevention of HIV, the importance of getting tested for HIV, and how to live with and manage HIV/AIDS.

Every year on March 10, National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is observed, however, the OWH encourages organizations to hold events and spread awareness throughout the month of March.

For more information on National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day: www.womenshealth.gov/nwghaad/about/#ref.

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