Why is National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Important? – AIDS.gov blog

Content From: HIV.govPublished: May 12, 20232 min read

TopicsONAPWhite House Office of National AIDS PolicyYouthYouth Awareness DayNational Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

Given the significant impact of HIV on youth, just over a month ago, on April 10th, the HIV community observed National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NYHAAD). Mr. Harold J. Phillips, MRP, Director of the White House Office of National AIDS Policy (ONAP), participated in a roundtable discussion hosted by Exit Disclaimer to discuss emerging issues for youth with or impacted by HIV. The roundtable, moderated by Armonte Butler, Advocates for Youth Associate Director, LGBTQ Health & Rights, also included Tyra Gravesande, NYHAAD youth ambassador; Eunice Mejiadeu, NYHAAD youth ambassador; and Erika Ninoyu, Congresswoman Barbara Lees Senior Legislative Assistant.

In his remarks, Mr. Phillips discussed the disparities seen in youth with HIV. In 2021,Exit Disclaimer. Additionally, according to Exit Disclaimer, the disparity is even more stark among young Black womenin 2020, over61% of young women with HIV were Black. In 2021, young people under age 24 accounted for Exit Disclaimer. In addition, young people face challenges in accessing and maintaining HIV treatmentonly Exit Disclaimer, the lowest rate of any age group. Mr. Phillips reminded the audience that it is for these reasons that youth aged 1324 are included as a priority population in the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS), and several action items in the NHAS Federal Implementation Plan are specifically targeted to address youth populations.

The roundtables panelists discussed the need for youth and students to receive scientifically factual, honest, and culturally competent sexual health education that includes information on HIV and its effects on Black and Latino communities, as well as the critical role HBCUs can play in increasing access for youth to HIV-related services. Additionally, the youth panelists discussed the need for students to be able to access services at times and locations that work for their lives. Also highlighted were the intersectional nature of HIV and the need to build coalitions and partnerships across related issues such mental and behavioral health, sexual health education, and trauma and violence. Ms. Ninoyu from Congresswoman Barbara Lees office highlighted the Congressional Resolution(PDF, 228KB) Ms. Lee sponsored in awareness of NYHAAD.

For additional information about NYHAAD, please read HIV.govs earlier blog which includes resources to support the ongoing efforts to reduce HIV and AIDS in this community.

Here is the original post:
Why is National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Important? - AIDS.gov blog