March 10 marks National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NWGHAAD), a day to recognize the unique challenges women face in the fight against HIV and to highlight the urgent need for equitable access to prevention and treatment. In New York State (NYS), recent data underscores both progress and persistent disparities in HIV outcomes among women.

Women and HIV in New York: By the Numbers

• In 2023, 21% (527) of new HIV diagnoses in NYS were among women.
• Despite making up a significant portion of new diagnoses, women remain underrepresented in the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP):
  • Only 7% of PrEP users in NYS are women, compared to 93% for men.
  • Among women on PrEP, 53% are Medicaid-insured, highlighting the importance of accessible healthcare services for HIV prevention in low income communities.

These figures emphasize the need to increase awareness, education, and access to PrEP for women, particularly those at higher risk of HIV exposure.

HIV disproportionately impacts women of color in NYS:

• Of the 28,580 women living with diagnosed HIV, 86% are Black or Hispanic.
  • Black women account for 58% (16,480 individuals).
  • Hispanic women make up 28% (8,000 individuals).
  • White women represent 12% (3,400 individuals), and smaller proportions are Asian (1.6%) and multiracial (0.6%).

Additionally, viral suppression rates—a key measure of successful HIV treatment and the prevention of sexual transmission of HIV —remain lowest among Black women, with only 79% achieving viral suppression, compared to 84% of Hispanic and Asian women, and 83% of White women.

Please click on the following for a 2023 Community Snapshot Report on Women in New York State and New York City

For more information on HIV prevention and care in New York State, be sure to visit the ETE Dashboard and sign up for our email list to stay updated on the latest available data.