Take Action: National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
Content From: Nancy C. Lee, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Women's Health and Director, Office on Women's Health•Published: March 10, 2014•2 min read
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Today is National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day — a day for action! What are you going to do?
Top 10 Ways You Can Take Action Against HIV/AIDS
- Get tested. Many women and girls who are HIV-positive don’t know they have the disease. The only way to know your status is to get tested. Find an HIV testing site near you. Nervous? Take a friend!
- Encourage a friend or family member to get tested, too. It’s easier and more affordable than ever to get tested, thanks to the Affordable Care Act. Most insurers must cover HIV testing without a copay for sexually active women.
- Understand how HIV is spread. Most women get HIV from having sex with a man who is HIV-positive. But HIV is spread other ways, too.
- Seek treatment if you are HIV-positive. Treatment can help people with HIV live longer, healthier lives. It also greatly reduces the chances of passing HIV on to others. Learn how to live with the disease.
- Protect yourself. You can’t tell whether someone is HIV-positive by looking at them. You’re in control of your health. Learn what steps you can take to protect yourself from HIV.
- Share knowledge. Talk to your friends, family, and others in your life about HIV/AIDS, how it’s spread, and what they can do to prevent it.
- Facebook, tweet, pin, and post. Help us reach more women and girls by joining the conversation online. We’ve made it easy for you with our sample posts and #takeactionExit Disclaimer hashtags!
- Show your support! Update your social media profile pictures with a Twibbon today. You can also update your Facebook cover photo throughout the month of March.
- Find a Meetup in your area. Participate in activities that promote HIV/AIDS prevention and testing, as well as continuous care for women and girls who have the disease.
- Follow us! For the latest news on HIV/AIDS and other important women’s health issues, follow us on TwitterExit Disclaimer and like us on FacebookExit Disclaimer.
By participating in National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, you will unite with others in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Together we can offer support and hope, reduce the stigma of HIV/AIDS, and empower women and girls to “Share Knowledge. Take Action.” I hope you’ll join us!