Addressing the Gap: National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day and the Fight for Youth Health
Every April 10, the global health community observes National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NYHAAD). This day serves as a critical reminder that despite decades of medical advancement, HIV remains a significant public health challenge for young people. The focus of NYHAAD is to educate the public on how HIV affects youth and to dismantle the barriers that prevent them from accessing essential prevention and care.
- National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is observed annually on April 10.
- Young people aged 13-24 represent nearly 20% of all new HIV diagnoses nationwide.
- There is a significant testing gap, with 73% of 18-24-year-olds never having been tested for HIV.
- Black youth are disproportionately impacted, accounting for 50% of new youth HIV diagnoses in 2022.
The Current State of Youth HIV
Even as HIV prevention and care have progressed over the last 40 years, the data regarding adolescents and young adults is concerning. A primary driver of these statistics is a lack of awareness and testing. When young people don’t know their status, they cannot access the life-saving treatments and prevention tools available today.
The CDC’s Division of Adolescent and School Health (DASH) works to bridge the gap between public health and education, supporting schools in preventing HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and unintended pregnancies. Because schools are central to youth development, they play a critical role in promoting health and safety.
Innovative Approaches to Education: The “Still Here” Campaign
To combat the trend of young people overlooking HIV, ViiV Healthcare—a global specialist HIV company majority owned by GSK—launched a social media video campaign titled “Still Here.” Released on April 10, 2026, the campaign is designed to spark crucial conversations among young people by mirroring their language, style, and humor.
“The reality is that young people are overlooking HIV, and that must change. We created ‘Still Here’ to connect with this audience in a new way about HIV,” stated Bithiah Lafontant, Head of Enterprise Communications at ViiV Healthcare.
The campaign emphasizes the importance of prioritizing education around HIV care and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a vital tool for preventing the disease in those at higher risk.
Reducing Gaps in Care and Support
Beyond awareness campaigns, systemic support is necessary to improve health outcomes. ViiV Healthcare implements this through “Positive Action,” a community-informed initiative that includes:
- Community Grants: Supporting community-led efforts to increase engagement in prevention and care while addressing stigma.
- Youth Summit: A signature event aimed at supporting youth living with or vulnerable to HIV.
- Leadership Development: Supporting initiatives like the National Minority AIDS Council’s Youth Institute to reduce gaps in wellness and care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PrEP?
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medication used to prevent HIV infection. Raising awareness about PrEP is a core goal of current youth-focused health initiatives to change long-term health outcomes.
Why is HIV testing critical for youth?
Testing is the only way to know one’s HIV status. Knowing the status allows individuals to access immediate care or prevention strategies, which is essential for staying healthy and preventing further transmission.
When is National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day?
It is observed every year on April 10.
Looking Forward
The persistence of HIV among young people, particularly the disproportionate impact on Black youth, highlights the need for continued investment in education and accessible healthcare. By combining school-based resources from the CDC with innovative communication strategies and community-led grants, the goal is to ensure that no young person is left behind in the effort to end the HIV epidemic.