National HIV/AIDS & Aging Awareness Day is observed annually on September 18th. It is also known as NHAAD and is designed to bring awareness to the general public about the challenges that aging presents for HIV prevention, care, treatment, and support.

Thanks to advancements in HIV treatments, people living with HIV are living longer than ever before, and they can face treatment-related challenges.

The History of National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day

This day was first launched in 2008 by the National Institutes of Health to raise awareness about HIV-related issues for aging adults. It has been observed every year to spread the word about the challenges that aging presents for people living with HIV. It is also used to spread the word about the importance of older Americans getting tested for HIV.

Facts About HIV/AIDS in the U.S.

During our research, we have come across some facts about HIV/AIDS that we would like to share with all of our readers. The following statistics come from the CDC and the National Institute of Health (NIH):

• Over 30 million people have died from HIV/AIDS-related causes since 1981.
• By the end of 2018, an estimated 1.2 million people in the U.S had HIV.
• Of those who had HIV in 2018, approximately 14% did not know they had it.
• In 2018, 24% of all HIV diagnoses were among heterosexuals.
• In 2018, 69% of all new HIV diagnoses in the U.S were among gay or bisexual men.
• Approximately a quarter of all people living with HIV in the U.S are over the age of 55.
• A person can have HIV for years without developing AIDS.
• People who start treatment early and adhere to their treatment can prevent HIV from progressing to AIDS.
• A person can have HIV and not have any symptoms.
• Every year, the U.S has approximately 37,000 new cases of people infected with HIV.
• At this point in time, HIV is not curable but it is manageable.
• Every 9.5 minutes, someone in the U.S is diagnosed with HIV.

Observing National HIV/AIDS & Aging Awareness Day

Anyone looking to observe this day can do so by attending one of the many informational seminars organized at health clinics or by attending a health fair. People can also visit theaidsinstitute.org for more information on HIV/AIDS and to find out how to get involved.