Each year on the last Friday in September, National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NGMHAAD) builds awareness and increases education about this disease. The day also focuses on finding ways to eliminate the disease.
The Centers for Disease Control recommends anyone between the age of 13 and 64 receive an HIV test as part of a routine physical. Those who are sexually active, the CDC recommends testing once per year and sometimes more frequently, depending on risk factors.
The day encourages a more open dialogue between partners as well. Improving understanding of the disease and access to testing helps reduce risk.
Those with HIV/AIDs need to understand the importance of uninterrupted treatment. Since HIV weakens the immune system, it is important to maintain a vaccine schedule, too.
GET INVOLVED: Services and opportunities to help raise awareness about HIV/AIDS come in many forms. During this observance and others like it, there are several ways to participate.
- Learn more about prevention and risk factors.
- Help eliminate the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS through education.
- Find a clinic near you for testing.
- Support research programs.
- Visit aids.gov to learn more about the event.
- The cdc.gov offers information and links to services.
- Visit the aidsinfo.nih.gov for a complete overview of the disease, research and more.
HISTORY: In 2008, the National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA) launched this observance day to recognize the disproportionate impact of the epidemic on gay men.