Monday, April 10, marks National Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Day (NYHAAD) 2017. The event is not only a way to educate the public about the ways the epidemic affects young people, but it is also a chance to celebrate the work of people fighting the epidemic.
Raising awareness among this population is important because in 2014, youth ages 13 to 24 accounted for more than one in five new HIV diagnoses, according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
NYHHAD is organized by Advocates for Youth, which promotes adolescent sexual health. You can download digital fact sheets, a campaign tool kit, a state advocacy tool kit and graphics to share on social media.
At the center of the awareness activities is the NYHAAD Proclamation, which is a bill of rights including five articles (posted below). You can sign the proclamation on the NYHAAD site; to learn more, watch this video:
Meanwhile, AIDS.gov offers more information, tool kits and links regarding youth and HIV. As the site notes, “This observance is important because among all demographic groups, youth have the highest rates of undiagnosed HIV and the lowest rates of linkage to care and viral suppression. And young, Black gay/bisexual men have significantly higher risks for contracting HIV than any of their peers.”
Our current issue of POZ highlights youth, including the cover story “Forever Young: Advocates Born With HIV Grow Strong.” You can read the complete issue here.
And for a slideshow and Q&A about art dealing with youth and HIV, check out “AIDS Art in America That’s Youthful, Even Joyous.”
Below is the NYHAAD Proclamation:
Courtesy of NYHAAD
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