18th annual observance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD)
Today, U.S. Congressman Adriano Espaillat issued the following statement in recognition of February 7th as National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. First recognized in 1999, National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is an opportunity to reflect on HIV’s impact within the African American community, encourage testing and support of individuals living with the virus, and build awareness of the impact HIV/ AIDS has on African American communities around the nation.
The 2017 theme of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is “I Am My Brother’s and Sister’s Keeper. Fight HIV/AIDS!”
“HIV/ AIDS continues to have a disproportionate impact on African Americans throughout communities around the nation,” said Rep. Espaillat. “While much progress has been made, there is still much work that remains in our efforts to increase education and build awareness of HIV and AIDS throughout all communities, but particularly throughout the African American community which according to the CDC represents more than one-third (or 40 percent) of all individuals living with HIV and nearly half (or 45 percent) of all newly diagnosed infections.
“Testing is critical in the prevention of the spread of HIV, and treatment is paramount for individuals living with the virus. Join me in making today a day of service to encourage friends, family, and neighbors to get tested, get educated, get involved to prevent the continued spread of HIV/ AIDS throughout the African American community, and stop the stigma!”
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