We're Putting Ourselves to the Test:
Achieving Equity to End HIV

Each year, on 1 December, the world commemorates World AIDS Day. People around the world unite to show support for people living with HIV and to remember those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses.

World AIDS Day highlights the urgent need to end healthcare inequalities that drive AIDS and other pandemics around the world. These inequities are a direct result of stigmas (sex and drug use), isms (sexism, racism, classism), and phobias (homophobia, transphobia) and cause persistent barriers to HIV testing, prevention, and treatment.

This year, worldwide health organizations are focusing on inclusion, equity, and better health for all people affected by HIV and AIDS.

THE HIV Crisis is Not Over

Each year in the United States, more than 40,000 new HIV cases are diagnosed and 1.1 million people are living with HIV/AIDS. Inequity in health care access is a continuing crisis for women and girls newly diagnosed or living with, HIV/AIDS.

ELAWC was one of the first organizations in the country to address the HIV risk for cisgender Latinx women and how violent relationships contribute to HIV risk.
  • Latinas comprise 24.3% of the population in LA County and 5.2% of all Latinas are living with HIV in LA County — more than any other female population. (LA County Public Health, HIV Surveillance Annual Report 2019). 
  • The majority of Latinx women diagnosed with HIV are contracting HIV by having sex with men. And we know women in violent relationships have 4X the risk of contracting HIV and sexually transmitted infections.