Today is National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

Today, March 20, the nation observes National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. The day is set aside annually to highlight the burden of HIV/AIDS on American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities. According to CDC, approximately 20% of people in the United States with HIV do not know that they are infected; however, among American Indians and Alaska Natives this figure is closer to 25%. Furthermore, compared to members of other ethnic or racial groups, American Indians and Alaska Natives who receive a diagnosis of HIV infection or AIDS die sooner after being diagnosed. This suggests that their HIV infections may be diagnosed late in the course of the disease. Visit the AIDSinfo National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day page to learn more [en español].