NBJC Commemorates National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
CONTACT: Jordan Wilhelmi | jordan@unbendablemedia.com
WASHINGTON – Today marks National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NWGHAAD), and in commemoration, Dr. David J. Johns, CEO of the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), a leading Black LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, issued the following statement:
“National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day provides us with an opportunity to shed light on the disproportionate burden of HIV/AIDS transmissions faced by Black women and girls in the United States and the remarkable resilience they exhibit in spite of enduring systemic barriers, anti-Black and LGBTQ+ bias, stigma, and discrimination. Resilience they should not have to demonstrate.
“The statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tell the story. Black women and girls represent 57% of all new HIV diagnoses among women in the United States. This alarming disparity underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions and comprehensive support systems.
“We must address the multifaceted challenges – poverty, racism & anti-Blackness, sexism, and misogynoir, that Black women and girls, trans- and cis-gender, encounter in their battle against HIV/AIDS. Every woman and girl must have equitable access to essential information, resources, and culturally competent healthcare to ensure their health and well-being. Challenging and dismantling stigma-driven discrimination that undermines the dignity and rights of those affected by HIV/AIDS is critically important to ensuring equitable access to the services and supports required to thrive.
“NBJC’s commitment remains unwavering: we stand in solidarity with Black women and girls impacted by HIV/AIDS, advocating tirelessly for their health, autonomy, and thriving futures. Together, we will continue to confront and combat the systemic injustices that perpetuate health disparities and marginalization within our communities.
“This NWGHAAD, our thoughts and prayers are with those who knew and loved Hydia Broadbent. Hydia and I shared a mentor in Earvin Magic Johnson and my commitment to ensuring an end to the disproportionate impact the disease has had in our community since its introduction has been both inspired and sharpened by Hydiea. Rest in power, sibling. “
NBJC is a proud partner of the Centers for Disease Control’s Stop HIV Together campaign and urges community members to take advantage of FREE, limited-time-only, mailed-to-you HIV self-tests offered HERE. Several local health departments are also offering free HIV testing to commemorate NWGHAAD.
NBJC also offers a toolkit that includes information about testing, treatment, and tips for reducing the stigma facing Black women and girls regarding HIV/AIDS. The toolkit provides tools to start conversations about HIV/AIDS, including the use of social media, hosting events, or writing an article or an OpEd. It also includes shareable facts about how HIV/AIDS affects Black women and girls, as well as medications that help curb its effects and transmission. It encourages readers to prioritize their holistic health, including sexual health.
Supporters can use NBJC’s Action Hub to urge members of Congress to renew global funding to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic.