New York NY, October 14, 2026 — Community leaders, elected officials, health advocates, and service providers gathered at the steps of New York City Hall on Tuesday, October 13, to kick off National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD), observed annually on October 15. Founded in 2003 by the Latino Commission on AIDS and Hispanic Federation, NLAAD mobilizes communities across the United States and its territories to address the impact of HIV in Hispanic/Latino communities and promote access to prevention, testing, treatment, and care.
“This year’s campaign theme, ‘Knowing Your HIV Status Is a Good Place to Start,’ encourages everyone to take an active role in their health by learning their HIV status and connecting with appropriate prevention and care services. The campaign emphasizes routine HIV testing, access to PrEP and PEP, timely treatment, viral suppression, and efforts to erase HIV-related stigma and discrimination.” Said, Karina Escamilla, NLAAD Director.
The need for continued action remains urgent. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 12,860 Hispanic/Latino people received an HIV diagnosis in 2024, representing approximately 34% of HIV diagnoses in the United States and its territories. These figures highlight the disproportionate impact of HIV on Hispanic/Latino communities and the importance of culturally responsive outreach, accessible health services, and strong community partnerships.
In New York City, the Health Department reported 1,791 new HIV diagnoses in 2024. Latino New Yorkers accounted for 41% of those newly diagnosed. These disparities reinforce the need to expand access to HIV testing, prevention education, and comprehensive care while addressing the social and structural barriers that can prevent people from accessing services.
“Latino New Yorkers continue to experience disparities in new HIV diagnoses and certain HIV-related health outcomes,” said New York City Health Department Deputy Commissioner Dr. Andrea Howard. “The New York City Health Department remains committed to expanding access to HIV testing, PrEP, emergency PEP, early treatment, and culturally responsive services to reduce these disparities and achieve equitable health outcomes among all New Yorkers.¨
This year’s theme served as a call to action for individuals, families, community organizations, and health care providers. Knowing one’s HIV status can open the door to early treatment, effective prevention options, and better health outcomes. For people who test negative, PrEP and other prevention tools can help reduce the risk of acquiring HIV. For people living with HIV, effective treatment can support long, healthy lives. When a person living with HIV maintains an undetectable viral load, they do not transmit HIV sexually (U=U). By making testing more accessible and challenging the stigma that surrounds HIV, NLAAD encourages communities to turn awareness into meaningful action.
“Knowing your HIV status is an important first step, but our responsibility does not end with testing. We must ensure that everyone has access to prevention, treatment, and compassionate care without fear of stigma or discrimination. NLAAD brings our communities and partners together to make health equity a shared priority and to ensure that no one is left behind,” said Guillermo Chacón, President of the Latino Commission on AIDS and Founder of the Hispanic Health Network.
“On National Latino AIDS Awareness Day, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that every Latino has access to the information, resources, and culturally responsive care they need to prevent HIV, get tested, and live healthy lives. Stigma, language barriers, and unequal access to health care should never stand in the way of prevention, treatment, or support. Together we are making sure that fewer people are denied the care they need and that families can make sure they are not losing a loved one because of barriers to accessing essential care,” said Bethsy Morales-Reid, Vice President of Program Strategy and Impact Hispanic Federation.
“We came together at City Hall to commemorate National Latino AIDS Awareness Day and reaffirm our commitment to ending the HIV epidemic. By working together, we can break down stigma and ensure Latino communities have access to the prevention, testing, and care they deserve.¨ said NYC Council Member Alexa Aviles.
The press conference brought together elected officials, public health leaders, and community advocates committed to improving access to HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care in Hispanic/Latino communities. Featured speakers included Dr. Helen Arteaga, Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services for the City of New York; the Honorable Alexa Avilés and Honorable Carl Wilson, New York City Council Members; Angelica Ramirez, Executive Director of Programs at the Bureau of Hepatitis, HIV, and STI, Division of Disease Control, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene; Jonathan Rodriguez, Health Program Manager at Hispanic Federation; and Karina Escamilla, NLAAD Director at the Latino Commission on AIDS.
NLAAD continues to mobilize organizations and community members nationwide through educational resources, social media outreach, community events, and partnerships with health departments, health care providers, faith leaders, and local advocates.
For media inquiries, please contact: Karina Escamilla, NLAAD Director at (646) 662-1325 or kescamilla@latinoaids.org
