National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is an opportunity to engage, empower, and educate people on the impact of HIV in the lives of women. Over the past four decades, we have witnessed HIV transition from a deadly virus to a treatable, chronic medical condition. Nowadays, we have medications that both treat and prevent HIV transmission. HIV is no longer a death sentence. Those who are adherent to treatment and medication live normal life spans.

Despite the substantial progress towards ending the HIV epidemic, there is still much work to be done. In the Houston area, women account for approximately 20% of new HIV diagnoses. Women of color are disproportionately impacted – rates of Black and Hispanic women living with HIV are higher than white women.

What is even more discouraging is that less than 10% of women who would benefit from PrEP – a pill taken once daily to prevent HIV – are prescribed PrEP.  This is deeply concerning. Unfortunately, it tells a powerful story of the disparities in HIV prevention and treatment in women compared to men. Don’t let stigma win. Let’s beat it by reshaping the narrative of HIV in women.

Want to get tested? Avenue 360 Health and Wellness provides free, rapid HIV testing. Click here for more information.

The information contained in this Avenue 360 Web site is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment, and Avenue 360 recommends consultation with your Avenue 360 doctor or health care professional.