National Latinx HIV Awareness Day

October 15 is National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day – a day aimed to increase awareness of HIV/AIDS in the Hispanic/Latinx population of the U.S. It is a day to draw attention to the disproportionate impact that exists in the Latinx community when it comes to HIV.

Members of the Latinx community encounter significant barriers that prevent access to HIV testing and care. Mistrust of the health care system and/or fear of disclosing their immigration status are among the primary reasons why members of the Latinx community do not seek care or testing. Also, language barriers, stigma, fear, homophobia, and discrimination negatively impact the Latinx community and prolong the existence of these disparities.

In addition, according to the CDC, 1 in 6 Hispanics/Latinos/Latinas with HIV are unaware they are living with it.

National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day helps create a great opportunity to take notice, come together, and continue to work on a common goal – to promote HIV testing and provide HIV prevention information and access to care for a community in need. For more information visit The Latino Commission on AIDS.