May 19 is National Asian and Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, dedicated to raising awareness about HIV/AIDS and the impact of HIV/AIDS-related stigma on Asian and Pacific Islander communities. In 2022, there were 2,800 Asian and Pacific Islander New Yorkers living with diagnosed HIV.

Asian and Pacific Islander New Yorkers living with HIV are overwhelmingly concentrated within New York City furthermore so within Queens with 41% of the city’s 2,460 Asian and Pacific Islander PLWH living in the borough. Treatment rates for this population in Queens remain high with 88% in care and 89% demonstrating viral suppression. 

Members of Asian and Pacific Islander communities face unique challenges when it comes to accessing HIV prevention, testing, and treatment services. Language and cultural barriers, along with limited access to healthcare, can create significant challenges for these individuals seeking HIV testing and care services. These barriers may help to explain low HIV  testing rates within the group with only 8.6% being tested for HIV in the past 12 months (2022). For additional information on HIV testing, please view testing data for NYS and NYC

National Asian and Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day serves as an opportunity to promote awareness and education surrounding HIV/AIDS in these communities, where stigma and unique barriers to testing and care continue to impact HIV-related outcomes. Stay informed on HIV/AIDS trends in New York State here.