On September 18, 2008, National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day was launched by The AIDS Institute in an effort to raise awareness due to the alarming increase in the number of HIV diagnoses among older adults and individuals over 50 living and aging with HIV.

Each year our nation observes National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day (NHAAD) on September 18th and the national campaign highlights the complex issues related to HIV prevention, care, and treatment for older adults. NHAAD is further recognized by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Policy, and www.hiv.gov.

In an effort to continually expand awareness about HIV/AIDS among the aging population, organizations and community members are invited to develop, implement and participate in awareness activities and events on or around September 18th.

The 2024 NHAAD theme is Protect our aging populations: meeting new challenges to live longer and improve lives of people living and aging with HIV.

Our goals are to emphasize the need for prevention, research, and data focused on the aging community and increase medical understanding of the impact of HIV on the natural aging process. Through action, we hope to increase the quality of life for people living with HIV (PWH). Through awareness, we hope to reduce stigma surrounding HIV.