Hope, Healing, and Prevention: Addressing HIV/AIDS in Native American Communities
National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NNHAAD)
National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NNHAAD) is observed annually on March 20th to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS in American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. First recognized in 2007, this day is led by the National Native HIV Network, which organizes initiatives to educate, promote testing, encourage prevention, and support treatment efforts among Native people (HIV.gov).
Why NNHAAD Matters
HIV continues to have a disproportionate impact on Native communities. Issues such as HIV-related stigma, lack of awareness, and limited access to healthcare contribute to this growing public health challenge.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
In 2021, there were 3,270 Native American and Alaska Native individuals living with HIV in the U.S.
There were 223 new HIV diagnoses among AI/AN individuals in 2021, a 16% increase since 2017.
Only 80 out of every 100 Native people with HIV are aware of their status—the lowest rate of any racial or ethnic group.
This year’s NNHAAD theme, “It’s all relative, our experience makes a difference,” reminds us that the fight against HIV/AIDS is not just about individual health—it’s about family, community, and cultural strength. By sharing knowledge, increasing testing, and addressing stigma, we can create healthier futures for Native people.
Understanding HIV/AIDS
To fully grasp the impact of HIV/AIDS in Native communities, it’s important to understand what the disease is, how it spreads, and why early detection and treatment matter.
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight infections. Without treatment, HIV can progress to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), the most advanced stage of the disease.
A healthy immune system helps protect against illnesses like the flu, COVID-19, and pneumonia. But as HIV advances, the immune system weakens, making even common infections harder to fight. If left untreated, the body loses its ability to defend against simple infections, which can become life-threatening. However, with proper treatment, people with HIV can stay healthy, prevent the disease from worsening, and live long, fulfilling lives.
How HIV Spreads
Understanding how HIV spreads is key to preventing new infections and protecting community health.
HIV is primarily transmitted through:
Anal or vaginal sex without protection
Sharing injection equipment (syringes, needles)
The virus spreads when infected blood, rectal fluids, or sexual fluids enter another person’s bloodstream.
Who is at Higher Risk?
While anyone can get HIV, certain groups face a higher risk due to social, economic, and behavioral factors, including:
Men who have sex with men (MSM)
Transgender individuals
People who inject drugs
Sex workers
Individuals with multiple sexual partners
People in communities with limited access to healthcare
Additionally, factors like a weakened immune system, other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and substance use (alcohol or drugs) can increase the risk of getting or spreading HIV.
Prevention and Testing
The good news? HIV is preventable, and with proper care, those living with it can lead long, healthy lives.
Prevention starts with education and access to resources. Both community and government programs are working to stop its spread.
Local efforts: The New York State Department of Health and AIDS Institute coordinate HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and STI programs (NY Health).
National efforts: The CDC's "Let’s Stop HIV Together" campaign is part of the Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) initiative and the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, which promote awareness, testing, treatment, and support (CDC).
Tribal health efforts: The Indian Health Service (IHS) National HIV/AIDS Program works with Tribal organizations to improve access to HIV prevention and treatment services for Native communities (IHS).
HIV/AIDS in Native American Communities
Though Native Americans and Alaska Natives make up about 1% of the U.S. population, they face one of the highest risks for HIV/AIDS. They rank third in new HIV diagnoses, following African American and Hispanic populations.
Factors Contributing to Increased Risk:
Socioeconomic Challenges: High poverty rates and limited access to healthcare make prevention and treatment harder.
Geographic Isolation: Many Native communities lack nearby healthcare facilities, making HIV testing and treatment less accessible.
Cultural Stigma: Conversations about sexual health and HIV/AIDS may be considered taboo, preventing people from getting tested.
Substance Use: High rates of alcohol and drug use can lead to risky behaviors that increase HIV transmission risk.
The Role of Research and Awareness
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is working to reduce HIV-related health disparities among Native populations. Research efforts focus on:
Understanding and addressing HIV-related stigma
Finding better ways to encourage HIV testing and treatment
Ensuring that HIV prevention programs are culturally appropriate
By recognizing diversity within Tribal communities and creating tailored health interventions, these efforts can make a real impact.
How to Reduce the Risk of HIV
Experts agree that HIV prevention includes:
Practicing safe sex (using condoms)
Not sharing needles or injection equipment
Getting tested regularly
If you have HIV, it’s important to inform your sexual partners to help prevent transmission.
When to Get Tested
Early detection leads to better treatment outcomes. Here are early signs of HIV, which typically appear 2-4 weeks after exposure and resemble the flu:
Fever, Chills, Night sweats, and Swollen lymph nodes
Without treatment, HIV gradually weakens the immune system, leading to advanced HIV (AIDS). Symptoms include:
Rapid weight loss (wasting syndrome)
Recurring fever or night sweats
Extreme fatigue
Persistent diarrhea or cough
Skin rashes or lesions (Kaposi's sarcoma)
Neurological issues (confusion, memory loss, difficulty concentrating)
Living with HIV
If you have HIV or were recently diagnosed, treatment can help you live a long, healthy life. A 2023 study in The Lancet HIV found that people who start treatment early have a life expectancy close to the general population—77 years for men and 79 years for women (The Lancet HIV).
With the right care and support, HIV is no longer a death sentence—people can live full, healthy lives with proper treatment.
Final Thoughts
National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is a reminder that HIV prevention, testing, and treatment matter. By raising awareness, reducing stigma, and increasing access to culturally relevant healthcare, we can create healthier Native communities.
Get Involved:
Use the hashtag #NNHAAD on social media to help spread awareness.
Visit HIV.gov and IHS.gov for more resources
