ANAC celebrates National Asian and Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

National Asian and Pacific Islander

HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

Asian and Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is celebrated each year on May 19 during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. According to the CDC, in 2021, Asian people over the age of 13 represented 2% of all new HIV diagnoses in the United States.

This day is an important reminder of the ongoing efforts to promote HIV prevention, testing and treatment among Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander people and an opportunity to share important resources that can help combat the HIV epidemic.

Chakra Budhathoki, PhD (he/him)

Associate Professor, Johns Hopkins University

Years as an ANAC member: 8

ANAC Committees: Research

What does National Asian and Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day mean to you?

It is important to increase awareness of HIV/AIDS in the whole population in general to fight against the disease. However, NAPI is often neglected in policies and programs. This initiative will positively help in moving the agenda forward.

What does ANAC mean to you?

This association provides a great platform to network among professionals and researchers who are interested in fighting against HIV/AIDS through nursing approaches.

What’s your favorite aspect of ANAC membership?

I am on the research committee. This keeps me informed on nursing advances in the HIV/AIDS field.

What words of wisdom might you pass on to those entering the field?

Get involved! It does not matter whatever the level or approach of involvement is!

Association of Nurses in AIDS Care | 800.260.6780 | anac@anacnet.org | nursesinaidscare.org