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National Asian & Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day : "Ending Stigma, Empowering Communities"

 

Each year on May 19, the U.S. observes National Asian & Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day to address the unique challenges facing API communities in HIV prevention and care. The 2025 theme, "Ending Stigma, Empowering Communities," highlights the dual crisis of low testing rates and cultural barriers that prevent many API individuals from seeking care.

Why This Awareness Day Matters

1. The Hidden Epidemic

  • APIs have the lowest HIV testing rates of any racial/ethnic group (CDC)

  • 1 in 3 API people with HIV don't know their status

  • New diagnoses increased 12% among API gay/bisexual men (2015-2024)

2. Cultural Barriers

  • "Model Minority" myth prevents open discussions about sexual health

  • Language barriers exist in 40% of API HIV+ patients

  • Family shame causes many to avoid testing

2025 Theme: "Ending Stigma, Empowering Communities"

Three Critical Focus Areas

✔ Culturally-Competent Care

  • Training providers on API cultural values

  • Bilingual HIV materials in 15+ API languages

✔ Community Leadership

  • API LGBTQ+ advocates sharing stories

  • Faith leaders addressing HIV in temples/churches

✔ Innovative Outreach

  • Discreet testing vans in API neighborhoods

  • Social media campaigns featuring API influencers

How to Participate

For Community Members

  • Get tested at APICHA.org or local clinics

  • Share why you #KnowYourStatus on social media

  • Challenge HIV stereotypes in API spaces

For Health Professionals

  • Offer testing at cultural festivals

  • Partner with API-serving organizations

  • Provide confidential interpretation services

For Allies

  • Donate to API Wellness Center or Banyan Tree Project

  • Amplify API HIV+ voices

  • Advocate for language-accessible public health campaigns

Signs of Progress

  • San Francisco's "Rice Queen" campaign increased testing 25%

  • Filipino HIV activists reduced stigma in Catholic communities

  • TelePrEP programs now serve rural API populations

Call to Action

"This May 19:

  1. Get tested or encourage someone to

  2. Share facts about API HIV needs

  3. Support API-led HIV organizations

Together, we can end the silence."

"Our silence won't protect us. Only openness and action can end this epidemic."

 
— Anonymous API HIV Advocate

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