Iris House, Inc.’s Post

GBV contributes significantly to the risk of HIV among young women. Gender violence and HIV/AIDS are two interconnected public health challenges that disproportionately affect young women globally. Gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and coercion, remains pervasive worldwide. Young women, especially those aged 15-24, are particularly vulnerable. We need to ensure that young women have access to HIV testing, contraceptives, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), and antiretroviral therapy (ART) can mitigate the impact of GBV on HIV transmission and not forgetting mobilization of communities to challenge harmful gender norms, support survivors, and provide resources for GBV prevention and HIV support to be able to foster resilience among young women in conclusion, The intersection of gender violence and HIV risk among young women underscores the urgent need for comprehensive approaches that address underlying social, economic, and cultural determinants. By integrating GBV prevention strategies with HIV programming, we can create safer environments where young women can thrive free from violence and HIV/AIDS. #hivawareness #genderequality #endsexualviolence

🌐 Addressing AIDS: A Comprehensive Approach in Healthcare In the global fight against AIDS, our healthcare system plays a pivotal role. Here's how we're making strides: Educational Initiatives & Safe Practices: Educating the public on HIV prevention and promoting safe sexual practices through condom distribution is crucial. Enhanced Testing Access: Expanding HIV testing, including innovative approaches like self-testing kits and mobile testing units, is key to early detection and treatment. Improved Treatment Access: The increased availability of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) and integrating HIV services into general healthcare are significant steps forward. Global Collaborations: Support from international programs like the Global Fund and PEPFAR is vital for resource-limited countries. Ongoing Research: We continue to invest in research for new treatments and preventive measures, aiming to further improve patient outcomes. As healthcare professionals, let's continue collaborating and innovating to overcome the challenges in HIV/AIDS treatment and care. #HealthcareLeadership #AIDSTreatment #MedicalInnovation #Credaster

Over the last 40 years, Black communities have continued to be disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS. Even with the greatest scientific advances in preventing, diagnosing, and treating HIV, these benefits aren’t experienced equally by everyone. In fact, in 2021, Black people made up 40% of the over 1 million people living with HIV in the U.S. and 40% of new HIV diagnoses in the same year. Black women accounted for 54% of new HIV diagnoses among women in 2021, despite comprising just 14% of women in the U.S. Improving health outcomes requires understanding these health disparities and addressing the inequities in the health care system. That’s why it’s so important to support all efforts to increase federal and state funding for public health programs, address HIV stigma and discrimination through improved education, support Black-led and Black-serving community-based organizations and remove barriers in accessing HIV prevention, treatment and care. On National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, we must reflect on the progress we’ve made and keep in mind the work that still needs to be done to advance health equity and create a healthier world for everyone, everywhere. #NBHAAD #HealthEquity

Visual AIDS asks the question: what if the world centered the sick instead of the able bodied? “In the face of the ongoing AIDS crisis, the enduring impact of COVID, and the likelihood of future pandemics and disabling events, the question becomes: How can we ensure that no one is left behind?” Over 75% of BGF’s community members are over the age of 50 and are ageing with HIV - they are the first population navigating the complexities of ageing with HIV. Ageing with HIV comes along with unique challenges that intersect with their age, sexuality, disability and other factors that may render them more vulnerable and in need of more support. “Everyone I Know Is Sick,” is a series of five new videos connecting HIV, disability, and chronic illness. Head to visualaids.org/dwa2023 to stream the videos. Still from Dolissa Medina and Ananias P. Soria, Viejito/Enfermito/Grito (Old Man/Sick Man/Shout), 2023

Today marks National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, a moment to shine a spotlight on the impact of HIV on women and girls. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), women made up 19% of the estimated 37,968 new HIV diagnoses in the United States and dependent areas in 2018. African American and Hispanic/Latina women are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. In 2018, African American women accounted for 58% of new HIV diagnoses among women, while Hispanic/Latina women accounted for 19% of new diagnoses. By reducing HIV stigma and promoting testing, prevention, and treatment for women, we can #StopHIVTogether. #Elmcor #NWGHAAD

Empowering women: Key outcomes of the African workshop on HIV and Women 2024. Dive into the transformative discussions & actionable recommendations that emerged from this crucial gathering. Read more ➡ t.ly/kK7tu Cc: ICW-Kenya Chapter #HIVWomenAfrica #EndAIDS2030

Join us for our seventh annual Caraconference, a virtual educational event focused on the intersection of public health and HIV. 🗓️ Monday, Sept 16 – Friday, Sept 20
Sessions are held every day from 12:00–1:00 PM (Eastern Time) Medical progress to end the HIV epidemic is being thwarted by health disparities, limited access to vital resources, and punitive legislation. Advocacy plays a crucial role in driving policy changes to overcome these barriers. As a community, public health workers and individuals impacted by HIV must be strategic and tenacious in challenging discriminatory practices, influencing legislative decisions and promoting equitable access to resources and care. At Caraconference 2024, experts, practitioners and community members from diverse backgrounds will explore strategies for reducing disparities, amplifying voices and driving systemic change in HIV prevention and treatment. Topics include: • The HIV Stigma Index • The promise of PrEP versus the reality of access • Activating peer support groups for advocacy • Intergenerational experiences with HIV prevention and care • The fight to modernize HIV criminalization laws—lessons learned CEUs will be available for select conference sessions. Visit https://lnkd.in/gDZizSns to learn more and register! #PublicHealth #HIVAwareness #VirtualConference #OnlineConference

Social and behavioral change (#SBC) approaches are most effective when the population they are intended to reach is meaningfully involved from the beginning. Our DISCOVER-Health project, funded by USAID, engages priority populations that are at a greater risk of being exposed to #HIV in designing high-impact SBC approaches to support the use of HIV services. As a result, the project has seen an increased uptake of #HIVprevention and treatment services such as #PrEP, voluntary medical male circumcision, condom use, and ART. Recently, the project saw the number of people accessing HIV testing more than double over three months – from 34,000 to 79,000! These achievements result from the project’s efforts to work alongside communities to support permanent health-seeking behaviors. Learn more about our work to meaningfully engage diverse populations, including young people, in designing and implementing HIV programs: https://lnkd.in/eqm7aDz4 #SocialandBehaviorChange

When Does It End?, hosted by Ms. Tori Cooper and Christopher Walker, is the perfect mix of education, advocacy, cultural humility and unity. The video podcast series is a space where public health champions come together to discuss Ending The HIV Epidemic in America Initiative (EHE) through the four pillars of Prevention, Diagnose, Treat, and Respond. The podcast is created in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Capacity For Health, APIAHF (Asian Pacific Islander Health Forum), and the CPN Network. On this episode of When Does It End? we will focus on serving the HIV needs of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander populations across the United States. Chris, Tori, and Emerson will discuss the nuances of AANHPI sexual health and its relation to various layered identities we inhabit outside of race. Experts will share how having a stronger understanding of our communities can help us address unique challenges when accessing HIV services and enhance our efforts under the Ending The HIV Epidemic Initiative. Watch the episode here: https://lnkd.in/dSE8XcQY

The Black community in the United States faces unique structural and societal barriers to accessing HIV prevention and care services. As a result, HIV has a disproportionate impact on the Black population. In 2021, Black people represented 40% of new HIV diagnoses, despite making up only 13% of the U.S. population. The disparity is clear in HIV prevalence as well—in 2021, 40% of all people living with HIV in the U.S. were Black.