October 15 is National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day, a day to recognize the disproportionate impact of the HIV epidemic on Hispanic/Latinx populations in the U.S.
Overall, the Hispanic/Latinx community face cultural and societal challenges, including language barriers and mistrust of the health care system. These challenges can delay HIV testing and necessary treatment. In 2019, 21% of new HIV diagnoses among Hispanic/Latinx people were diagnosed late. In the same year, only an estimated 51% of Hispanic/Latinx individuals reported ever being tested for HIV.
Commemorating the 40th anniversary of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MWWR) detailing the first known cases of HIV, Latino Commission on AIDS (LCOA), the Hispanic Health Network, and the Community Information Outreach Program are raising awareness about where to find reliable HIV information and services for this community through educational infographics.
In addition, LCOA published “A 3-City Study on HIV care engagement and treatment adherence among Latino gay and bisexual men and men who have sex with men living with HIV and AIDS” in June 2021, a report studying the barriers to care such as homophobia, stigma, and racism, that Latino men who have sex with men face in preventing and treating HIV. The report called for “culturally and linguistically responsive” HIV programs that can address the unique challenges that Hispanic/Latinx Gay and Bisexual Men and men who have sex with men face.
This year, AIDSVu is also highlighting the impact of social determinants of health, such as poverty and a lack of health insurance, on HIV-related health outcomes for Hispanic/Latinx people:
- In 2019, 17.2% of Hispanic/Latinx people were living in poverty, compared to the 12% of the U.S. population.
- In the same year, 22.5% of Hispanic/Latinx people were uninsured, compared to 10.4% of the U.S. population.
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To learn more about how the HIV epidemic impacts Hispanic/Latinx communities, explore our resources:
- View our interactive map to visualize the HIV epidemic among Hispanic/Latinx people in the U.S.
- Explore our local data profiles to learn about HIV/AIDS among Hispanic/Latinx people in your area.
- Find available HIV testing and care services near you or order at home self-testing with AIDSVu’s service locators.
- Read our expert Q&As to deepen your understanding of HIV among Hispanic/Latinx people.
- Share our infographics with your networks to raise awareness.
