Asians and Pacific Islanders Urged to Get Tested for HIV
Campaign Supports National Asian and Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
May 19, 2008 marks the third annual National Asian and Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. This day is an opportunity to recognize that HIV/AIDS is a growing health issue within the Nation’s Asian and Pacific Islander population.
HIV/AIDS is on the rise among Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States. Although the proportion of diagnoses of HIV infection and AIDS for Asians and Pacific Islanders remains small compared to other racial/ethnic groups, the number of new HIV/AIDS diagnoses among Asians and Pacific Islanders more than doubled between 2001 and 2005.
Unfortunately, many Asians and Pacific Islanders who are infected with HIV do not know it. HIV testing rates are much lower for Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States than for any other racial and ethnic group.
In support of National Asian and Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, the National HIV Testing Mobilization Campaign is bringing its “get tested for HIV” message to Asian and Pacific Islander audiences throughout the month of May.
Events will include:
2008 AsiaFest, Portland, OR
The 29th Annual Asian Pacific American Heritage Festival, New York, NY
National Asian Heritage Festival: Fiesta Asia 2008, Washington, DC
CelebrAsian ‘08 Business Opportunity Conference, Washington, DC
In addition, the Campaign’s fact sheet, “HIV/AIDS and Asian and Pacific Islanders” is available for organizations and individuals to download and distribute to help raise awareness of the importance of HIV testing.
