March 20 is National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NNHAAD), an annual opportunity to raise awareness about the impact of HIV on Native American communities and to honor the resilience and strength of Native people in the fight against HIV/AIDS. 

In 2023, there were 190 Native Americans living with diagnosed HIV in New York State, 88% of which were receiving care, and 78% who had achieved viral suppression. Viral suppression not only improves the health and well-being of people living with HIV but also reduces the risk of onward transmission.

While the care continuum data for Native Americans is encouraging, it is vital to ensure continued support through culturally competent and community-driven care. Native communities often face barriers such as limited healthcare access, stigma, and historical trauma, which can impact health outcomes.

The NYS Department of Health AIDS Institute emphasizes the importance of culturally grounded and community-driven approaches in addressing HIV/AIDS among Native populations. The Native American Ending the Epidemic Advisory Group has identified several key strategies:

• Enhancing HIV Testing: Promote routine and targeted HIV testing within Native communities to ensure early diagnosis and linkage to care.
• Improving Care and Treatment: Continuously monitor and improve rates of viral suppression by providing culturally sensitive care and support services.
• Expanding Medical Interventions: Increase awareness and access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) as preventive measures against HIV.
• Addressing Social Determinants of Health: Tackle factors such as housing, employment, and education that influence health outcomes in Native communities.

These strategies, detailed in the Native American Ending the HIV/AIDS Epidemic in New York State Advisory Group report, are designed to align with cultural values and practices, ensuring that interventions are respectful and effective.

Learn more about HIV in New York at ETE Dashboard NY.