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National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

An awareness observance on March 10 raising awareness of HIV/AIDS impact on women and girls, promoting prevention, testing, treatment, and care to address health disparities.

Wednesday

March 2027

Last updated February 26, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEMarch 10

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYHealth Conditions

ORIGIN

Government Proclamation

FOUNDING ENTITY

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Women's Health

FIRST OBSERVED

2005

HOW THE HOLIDAY CAME TO BE

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health (OWH) established and first observed National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day in 2005 to raise awareness about the disproportionate impact of HIV on women and girls, particularly women of color.

Institutional Recordvia womenshealth.gov

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

March 10 marks a significant day for raising awareness and advocating for the health of women and girls with HIV/AIDS. National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day was first observed in 2006, as a way to shine a light on the impact of this disease on females, who make up nearly one-quarter of all people living with HIV in the United States. This day not only spreads important information about prevention and treatment, but also celebrates the strength, resilience, and courage of those affected by this illness. So let's come together to support and uplift our sisters, mothers, daughters, and friends on this empowering day!

TIMELINE

National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Timeline

Discovery of HIV/AIDS

The first cases of what later became known as AIDS were reported in the United States.

Recognition of Women with HIV/AIDS

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) acknowledged that women could get HIV/AIDS.

MTCT Reduction Breakthrough

A major medical breakthrough found that the drug AZT could reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

PEPFAR Initiative

President George W. Bush announced the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a global health initiative to combat HIV/AIDS, with a focus on gender-specific strategies.

Inaugural Awareness Day

The first National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day was observed, to raise awareness and provide information on prevention, treatment, and the impact of HIV / AIDS on women and girls.

Advancements in Treatment

Continuous advancements in treatment significantly reduced the mortality rate of those living with HIV/AIDS and made it possible for those affected to live long, healthy lives.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

Raise awareness on social media

Use hashtags such as #NWGHAAD and #KnowYourStatus to spread information and resources about Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on social media. Share statistics, personal stories, and ways to get involved.

HOST

Host a fundraiser

Organize a fundraising event in your community to support organizations that provide resources and support for women and girls affected by HIV/AIDS. This could be a charity walk, a concert, or a silent auction.

ATTEND

Attend a local event

Check your local community calendar for events happening in honor of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Attend these events to learn more about the issue and show your support for those affected by HIV/AIDS.

EDUCATE

Educate yourself and others

Take the time to educate yourself and others about the facts and myths surrounding HIV/AIDS. Share accurate information and dispel any misconceptions about the disease.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer at a local organization

Reach out to local organizations that support women and girls affected by HIV/AIDS and offer your time and skills as a volunteer. This could include helping with events, providing support services, or spreading awareness in your community.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is Important

It highlights the importance of support for women and girls living with HIV/AIDS

This day brings attention to the unique challenges faced by women and girls living with HIV/AIDS, such as discrimination, barriers to healthcare, and lack of resources. It encourages individuals and communities to show support and compassion for those affected by the disease.

It helps raise awareness about a serious health issue

National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day shines a light on the fact that women and girls are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. By raising awareness, we can educate people and promote prevention methods to help decrease the spread of the disease.

It promotes testing and early detection

Early detection is crucial in managing HIV/AIDS. National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day encourages people to get tested and know their status so they can seek treatment if necessary. This also helps to reduce the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS.

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