Congressman Johnson, Rep. Velázquez Reintroduce Resolution Recognizing National African Immigrant and Refugee HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis Awareness Day

WASHINGTON, D.C. - This week, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) and Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07) reintroduced a resolution recognizing September 9 as National African Immigrant and Refugee HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis Awareness Day (NAIRHHA DAY). The resolution seeks to bring national attention to the disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis on African immigrant and refugee communities in the United States.

Between 1980 and 2019, the African immigrant population in the United States grew nearly sixteen-fold, making it the fastest-growing Black immigrant population. Yet despite this growth, African immigrants face some of the highest rates of HIV and chronic hepatitis B in the country. HIV infection rates are six times higher among African immigrants than in the general U.S. population, and less than five percent report using PrEP, despite its proven effectiveness in preventing HIV transmission.

Barriers to care, including stigma, language access, immigration status, and lack of culturally competent services, contribute to low rates of diagnosis and treatment. NAIRHHA Day is intended to address these challenges by encouraging awareness, education, testing, prevention, and treatment in culturally and linguistically appropriate ways.

"NAIRHHA Day stands as an important reminder of the unique health challenges facing African immigrant and refugee communities," said Congresswoman Velázquez. "This observance is about action. By dedicating this day to education, testing, and treatment, we affirm our commitment to breaking down barriers to care and ending the stigma around HIV and hepatitis. Underserved communities deserve to live with access to care and hope. NAIRHHA Day helps bring us closer to that goal."

"Too often, African immigrant and refugee communities are overlooked in our nation's public health strategies," said Congressman Johnson. "This resolution is about saving lives by shining a light on the urgent need for culturally responsive prevention and care. NAIRHHA Day provides a platform to eliminate stigma, promote education, and strengthen access to treatment and resources."

The resolution recognizes the importance of dedicating more attention and resources to addressing HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis in African immigrant and refugee communities and encourages a national commitment to reducing new infections and deaths through increased awareness, screening, vaccination, and linkage to care.

About Congressman Hank Johnson:
Hank Johnson represents Georgia's 4th Congressional District, where he is a staunch advocate for civil rights, public safety, and economic justice. Learn more at https://hankjohnson.house.gov/

To read the bill, click HERE.