National Caribbean American HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

National Caribbean American HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is celebrated annually on June 8th to educate Caribbean-Americans about HIV/AIDS and provide resources for HIV testing and treatment.

According to UNAIDS' World AIDS Day Report 2012, the Caribbean region experienced the biggest drop in new HIV infections worldwide since 2001, with a drop of more than 42%. These numbers highlight the progress that can be made when communities have access to adequate resources to provide care and promote prevention. There are still challenges.

The Caribbean has the second highest rate of HIV infection globally, and AIDS is the leading cause of death among people between the ages of 20 and 59. Men who have sex with men and sex workers are particularly vulnerable to HIV risk of HIV infection. According to the CDC, the Caribbean is one of only two regions with higher rates of HIV infection among women and girls (53%) than men and boys. However, in the United States, men make up the majority (56.6%) of HIV diagnoses among Caribbean-born Blacks.

Tools like prevention programs, high-quality laboratory services, and robust health information systems are important in reducing transmission and providing quality care to people living with HIV in the Caribbean. For Caribbean Americans and also in the Caribbean, it is imperative to reduce stigma and honor those who have been and are living with or affected by HIV.