May 18: World AIDS Vaccine Day
What Is AIDS and Why Does a Vaccine Matter?
World AIDS Vaccine Day, observed on May 18, recognizes the ongoing global effort to develop a safe and effective vaccine to prevent HIV—the virus that causes AIDS. The day also serves to raise awareness about the importance of continued research, public health advocacy, and education in the fight to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic. While antiretroviral therapy (ART) has significantly improved the lives of those living with HIV, a preventive vaccine remains essential to fully control and eventually eliminate the disease.
What Is HIV/AIDS?
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) attacks the body’s immune system, weakening its ability to fight infections. Without treatment, HIV can progress to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), the most advanced stage of infection. Early symptoms of HIV may resemble the flu—fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes—followed by a latent phase where symptoms may disappear for years. If untreated, HIV eventually leads to severe immune suppression and opportunistic infections.
Early detection and treatment with ART can suppress the virus to undetectable levels, allowing people with HIV to live long, healthy lives and prevent transmission to others. However, late diagnosis can reduce the effectiveness of treatment and increase the risk of complications.
HIV and Native Communities
Though Native American and Alaska Native (NA/AN) communities represent a small percentage of the total U.S. population, they face disproportionately high rates of new HIV diagnoses. According to the CDC, NA/AN people have the fourth highest rate of new HIV diagnoses per capita among all racial and ethnic groups.
Contributing factors include:
Stigma around HIV and sexuality
Limited access to regular testing and treatment services
Underfunded health systems, particularly in rural and reservation-based areas
Mistrust of Western medical institutions due to historical trauma
Lack of culturally tailored outreach, particularly for Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ Native individuals
These barriers often result in late diagnoses and missed opportunities for early intervention.
What Are Our Paths Forward?
Effective prevention and treatment strategies include:
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) – a daily medication that can prevent HIV infection
Consistent HIV testing
Harm reduction services, including access to clean needles and safe sex supplies
Inclusive, culturally specific sex education
Peer-led support and counseling
These interventions must be adapted to Indigenous worldviews, incorporating cultural teachings, gender roles, and community values to ensure they are relevant and effective.
Native-Led HIV Advocacy and Care
Several Indigenous-led initiatives are reshaping HIV prevention and care:
The National Native HIV Network provides education, training, and advocacy across tribal nations, focusing on Indigenous leadership in HIV response.
Red Circle Project (Los Angeles) centers Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ Native people in HIV prevention and care through culturally responsive services.
NATIVE HEALTH (Phoenix) and First Nations Community HealthSource (Albuquerque) offer HIV screening, PrEP access, and wraparound care in both urban and rural settings.
By grounding care in cultural identity and community leadership, these organizations are breaking down stigma, improving access, and saving lives.
