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 need for equitable access to prevention and treatment. In New York State (NYS), 2024 data underscores both progress and persistent disparities in HIV outcomes among women.

Women and HIV in New York: By the Numbers

• In 2024, 22% (551) 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 8% of PrEP users in NYS are women, compared to 92% for men.
• Among women on PrEP, 52% 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.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities among Women Living with HIV

HIV disproportionately impacts women of color in NYS:

• Of the 28,530 women living with diagnosed HIV in NYS, 86% are Black or Hispanic—despite Black and Hispanic women making up only 38% of women in NYS.
  • Black women account for 58% of women living with HIV (16,450 individuals).
  • Hispanic women make up 28% (8,040 individuals).
  • White women represent 12% (3,340 individuals), with smaller proportions identifying as Asian (1.7%) or multiracial (0.6%).

Additionally, viral suppression rates remain lowest among Black women, with only 81% achieving viral suppression, compared to 85% of Hispanic, Asian, and multiracial women, and 83% of White women.

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.