March is an important month for women’s health and empowerment as we observe International Women’s Day on March 8 and National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NWGHAAD) on March 10.
These observances are a time to reflect on the progress made toward women’s rights. They also address ongoing health challenges, particularly the impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls.
The importance of NWGHAAD
Established in 2005 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health, NWGHAAD aims to raise awareness about the impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls.1 This day focuses on the importance of HIV prevention, testing, and treatment, encouraging women and girls to take charge of their health.
In the United States, women account for about 22% of people living with HIV. Nineteen percent of new diagnoses in 2022 were women.2 These statistics highlight the ongoing need for specific prevention and education efforts for women and girls in the United States.
Women, especially those from marginalized communities, face unique challenges in HIV prevention and care. Stigma, socioeconomic factors, and limited access to healthcare can hinder efforts to reduce HIV from spreading.3 Addressing these barriers requires culturally sensitive approaches and community engagement.
Advancements and ongoing efforts
Advances in HIV testing, treatment, and prevention have led to significant progress toward ending the HIV epidemic. Initiatives like pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are one of the most important advancements in HIV prevention, helping to protect women and girls who may be at risk for the virus.
PrEP is a daily prescription medication that can reduce the risk of getting HIV from sexual contact by up to 99%.4 However, continued efforts are necessary to ensure these advancements reach all women, particularly those in underserved populations.
Taking action: What can be done?
Taking action to prevent HIV and AIDS starts with empowering yourself and your community through education, advocacy, and access to the appropriate resources:
- Education and awareness. You can educate yourself and others on HIV transmission, prevention, and treatment options and share this information to combat stigma and promote HIV and AIDS awareness.
- Regular testing: Regular HIV testing is one of the most important steps toward prevention and early treatment. Encourage friends and family to get tested as well.
- Practice and promote safe behaviors. Encourage practices like using protection, discussing HIV status with partners, and following treatment plans if living with HIV.
- Improve access to care. Help connect women and girls to healthcare providers and programs that offer affordable or free services, including HIV testing, treatment, and counseling.
As we observe International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, it is important that we understand that without intentional actions, prevention efforts will continue to fall short on this public health issue. Together, we can work towards a future where HIV/AIDS is no longer a threat to women’s health.
BESTMe
Navigating grief with professional care and support
Grief is one of the most difficult experiences in life. It can bring up many emotions that affect how we deal with loss or change, and how we go about our daily lives. There is no “right” way to grieve; coping with loss takes time and patience. Getting help from professionals can make this journey easier.
Grief is the experience of coping with loss.5 Whether it’s the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or the loss of a home, grief affects everyone in different ways. Some emotions associated with grief can be:6
- Anger
- Sadness
- Denial
- Guilt
- Shock
- Disbelief
- Depression
Nourishing your mental health
Every day, millions of people face the challenges of loss, making it crucial to nurture mental health and develop resilience in tough times. AmeriHealth Caritas DC enrollees can access mental health and behavioral health services to help them navigate these difficult times:
- Emotional support services via text. Enrollees can chat live with trained behavioral health coaches through the Headspace Care and MindRight apps to help discuss any life challenges. If you are age 21 or older, download the Headspace Care app from the Google Play store or Apple App Store. Enrollees ages 12 – 30 should text 886-886 and use the referral code “AmeriHealth” as they enroll in MindRight and begin texting with a support coach.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, seven days a week at no cost.
- For additional emotional support for you, your child, or a family member, call Enrollee Services at 202-408-4720 or 1-800-408-7511 to be connected with a behavioral healthcare provider.
Sources
- “National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day,” National Institutes of Health, HIVinfo, https://hivinfo.nih.gov/understanding-hiv/hiv-aids-awareness-days/national-women-and-girls-hiv-aids-awareness-day
- “The Impact of HIV on Women in the United States,” KFF.org, https://www.kff.org/hivaids/fact-sheet/the-impact-of-hiv-on-women-in-the-united-states/#:~:text=Overview,older%20ages%20than%20men%20are
- “The Impact of HIV on Black People in the United States,” KFF.org, https://www.kff.org/hivaids/fact-sheet/the-impact-of-hiv-on-black-people-in-the-united-states/
- “Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis,” HIV.gov, https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/hiv-prevention/using-hiv-medication-to-reduce-risk/pre-exposure-prophylaxis#:~:text=PrEP%20is%20highly%20effective%20at,it%20isn’t%20taken%20consistently
- “Grief,” Cleveland Clinic, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24787-grief
- “Bereavement and Grief,” Mental Health America, https://www.mhanational.org/bereavement-and-grief, https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/data-research/facts-stats/index.html
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