"In 2006, a group of individuals and organizations began examining the increasing rates of HIV and Hepatitis among African immigrants. This included talking with diverse stakeholders about challenges, collecting information on community responses, and strategizing on how to advocate for more resources to address the growing issue. As part of this effort, regional summits were held in Atlanta, Georgia; Worcester, Massachusetts; Seattle, Washington; and Washington, D.C. A non-profit organization named the African National HIV Alliance (ANHA) was birthed from these summits and given the task of implementing a strategic planning process by, at the time, the HHS Office of HIV Policy. In line with this process, ANHA sought to establish an HIV awareness day for African immigrants, and has subsequently joined forces with other organizations to achieve this goal.
NAIRHHA Day
September 9th: National African Immigrant and Refugee HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis Awareness Day
Overview of NAIRHHA Day from the official website below. Read more and get connected here.
Founded by advocates in Massachusetts, Washington D.C., and New York, National African Immigrant and Refugee HIV and Hepatitis Awareness Day (NAIRHHA) has been observed annually on September 9th by communities, advocates, healthcare professionals, government officials and other stakeholders since 2014. It takes place in September because this is the month that has been designated as National African Immigrant Month (NAIM) in the United States to celebrate the diverse and remarkable contributions African immigrants have made to enrich the United States, in spheres ranging from sports to writing to politics.
We aim to bring both national and local attention to the highly prevalent health issues of HIV/AIDS and viral Hepatitis in the African Immigrant and Refugee population in the United States, in a way that is culturally and linguistically appropriate. NAIRHHA Day provides a way for organizations, communities, families, and individuals to:
- Raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis to eliminate stigma;
- Learn about ways to protect against HIV, viral hepatitis and other related diseases;
- Take control by encouraging screenings and treatment, including viral hepatitis vaccination;
- Advocate for policies and practices that promote healthy African immigrant communities, families, and individuals.
NAIRHHA Day is led by the Hepatitis B Foundation, the Africans For Improved Access program at the Multicultural AIDS Coalition, and the Coalition Against Hepatitis for People of African Origin (CHIPO)."
September 9th, 2024 marked the ten-year anniversary of National African Immigrant & Refugee HIV/AIDS & Hepatitis Awareness (NAIRHHA) Day! Hepatitis B & HIV heavily impact African immigrant communities in the US. Let’s raise awareness & advocate for resources & funding to support elimination efforts & healthier communities. Join the movement this year with our 10-for-10 campaign! Check for weekly actions you can take throughout the month of September!
This comprehensive toolkit serves as an essential resource for organizations, communities, families, and individuals seeking to actively partake in the observance of National African Immigrant & Refugee HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis Awareness (NAIRHHA) Day. Designed to empower and guide your efforts, this toolkit provides a wealth of information and practical strategies to raise awareness, advocate for action, and foster a deeper understanding of the HIV/AIDS and hepatitis epidemics, particularly within African immigrant and refugee communities. Check it out today!
On September 18th, 2023 Hepatitis Caucus Co-Chairs, Congressman Hank Johnson and Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez (NY) along with HIV/AIDS Caucus Co-Chair, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA), introduced a resolution to recognize September 9th as National African Immigrant and Refugee HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis Awareness (NAIRHHA) Day. Read the full press release here!
NAIRHHA Day Webinar!
Join us to celebrate NAIRHHA Day 2024! To honor the tenth anniversary of National African Immigrant & Refugee HIV/AIDS & Hepatitis Awareness (NAIRHHA) Day, we hosted a webinar that featured a conversation with representatives from state and local health departments from around the country who work in cities and states with the largest communities of African immigrants. Panelists discussed steps they have taken to center the needs of these communities & what remains to be done to ensure that the serious health disparities of hepatitis B and HIV/AIDS are addressed in a culturally appropriate way for African immigrant communities.
Listen here!
We're thrilled to announce that National African Immigrant and Refugee HIV & Hepatitis Awareness (NAIRHHA) Day, observed on September 9th, is now officially listed on HIV.gov! Learn more about the awareness day and how you can get involved here!