On Mar. 10, 2010, National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NWGHAAD) was established as a nationwide initiative celebrated on March 10 every year to raise awareness of the increasing impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls.

This year’s theme, “Hope, Health, and Healing: Overcoming Barriers to HIV/AIDS Treatment for Women and Girls,” focuses on addressing the challenges women and girls face in accessing HIV/AIDS treatment and eliminating barriers to health care access for women and girls with HIV/AIDS, such as lack of insurance, geographical location, or stigma.

It also supports the goals of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy: preventing new HIV infections, improving health outcomes for people living with HIV, and reducing differences in HIV care and outcomes. As we observe the 20th annual National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, this theme reminds us of how far we’ve come and the work still ahead. By working together, we can help end HIV and improve the quality of treatment and care for women and girls currently living with HIV.