Global Coalition on Aging’s Post

Excited to share my latest article in DELPH Magazine: "Bridging the Gap: Advancing Data Equity in the Fight Against HIV/AIDS" 🎉 In the ongoing battle against HIV/AIDS, data equity is crucial. Our work at the Satcher Health Leadership Institute emphasizes ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, has equal access to critical data for combating the epidemic. Unfortunately, many communities, especially people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals, face significant barriers to accessing vital data for HIV/AIDS testing and treatment. The lack of equitable data access obscures the true disease burden and hampers support efforts. To address this, we’ve developed the Health Equity Tracker, a free platform that highlights disparities and promotes community involvement in data processes. This approach is essential for informed decision-making and effective policy development in HIV prevention and treatment. Data equity isn’t just about numbers; it’s about people's well-being and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive. By amplifying marginalized voices and fostering collaboration, we can close the gap and enhance support for all affected individuals. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eeUFRqan #HIVAIDS #PublicHealth #DataEquity #HealthEquity #Research #Leadership

Today marks National Transgender HIV Testing Day, an essential moment to reflect on the progress we have made and the challenges that lie ahead in the battle against HIV for the transgender community. At Lambda Legal, we recognize the multifaceted battle our transgender siblings encounter – stigma, discrimination, and systemic inequalities – all of which compound the risk of HIV transmission and hinder access to vital testing and treatment. But today isn't just about acknowledging these challenges; it's about taking action. We’re calling on our community to prioritize their health today and every day. Get tested. Know your status. And remember, your health matters, your well-being matters, and you are deserving of respect, dignity, and comprehensive health care. ❤️🏳️⚧️ Learn more about our work and resources, and how you can take action at https://lnkd.in/e_tdGb73. #EndTheStigma #HIVAwareness #HIVTesting #HIV

Today is National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, a reminder of the significant impact HIV continues to have on gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM). These communities face disproportionate rates of HIV diagnoses, largely due to barriers like stigma, discrimination, and social determinants of health that hinder access to care. It's critical that we work to expand access to HIV testing, prevention, and comprehensive care for these populations. By advocating for inclusive, respectful healthcare environments and offering confidential testing and counseling services, we can encourage more individuals to seek the care they need. Equitable healthcare access is necessary to make meaningful strides in the fight against HIV/AIDS for all, regardless of sexual orientation or identity. #thisispublichealth #hivaids #HIVCare

#UPCOMING We are excited to have our Director as a key speaker alongside other speakers from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Zimbabwe Network for Disability, Office of HIV/AIDS Network Coordination (HANC) moderated by Strategies for High Impact / Long COVID Justice and LVCT HEALTH. THE EVENT: Where's the Equity? Including People with Disabilities in HIV Prevention Programming and Research As a movement motivated by health and human rights, the HIV field has collectively been tuning in more than ever to the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion when it comes to HIV prevention programming and research. That said, there seems to be less awareness and effort around the inclusion of people with disabilities in our programs and protocols. Recognizing that "people with disabilities" is an immense group of very diverse people, this webinar will explore the who, what, where and how involved in acknowledging the importance of including people with disabilities, with concrete ideas for where, how, and with whom we can improve our efforts. #Inclusion #HIVPrevention

Please join us for this webinar from The Choice Agenda DATE: Monday, August 5 TIME: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM ET (NYC) Where's the Equity? Including People with Disabilities in HIV Prevention Programming and Research As a movement motivated by health and human rights, the HIV field has collectively been tuning in more than ever to the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion when it comes to HIV prevention programming and research. That said, there seems to be less awareness and effort around the inclusion of people with disabilities in our programs and protocols. Recognizing that "people with disabilities" is an immense group of very diverse people, this webinar will explore the who, what, where and how involved in acknowledging the importance of including people with disabilities, with concrete ideas for where, how, and with whom we can improve our efforts. Speakers: Dr. Hannah Kuper, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Tafadzwa Maseva, Zimbabwe Network for Disability  Brian Minalga, Office of HIV/AIDS Network Coordination (HANC) Sarah Mwikali, Gifted Community Centre Moderators: JD Davids, Strategies for High Impact / Long COVID Justice Patriciah Jeckonia, LVCT Health Register here:  https://lnkd.in/gB8nZ4AJ AVAC JD Davids Brian Minalga Manju Chatani Catherine Verde Hashim Navita Jain (Navita Sahai) #hivresearch #hivprevention #hiv #peoplewithdisabilities #dei #diversity #equity #inclusion #webinar #thechoiceagenda

Let’s take a moment on National Gay Men’s HIV Awareness Day to recognize how HIV still affects the gay community, and how we can all play a part in spreading knowledge and support. Did you know that while gay and bi men are a small part of the U.S. population, they make up almost 70% of new HIV cases? This shows how important it is to make testing, healthcare, and safer sex options more accessible. HIV hasn’t disappeared—it’s still here. But by raising awareness, we can break down stigma, have more open conversations about sexual health, and give people the tools they need, like PrEP and regular testing, to protect themselves. Let’s keep showing up for each other by staying informed, getting tested, and pushing for healthcare that’s fair for everyone. Today, and every day, we stand with gay men in the fight against HIV. 🌈❤️ #NGMHAAD #EndHIV #HealthEquality #lgbtseniorhousingandcare

Today on National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, let's stand united in raising awareness, fighting stigma, and supporting those affected by HIV/AIDS in the Black community. Education, testing, and access to resources are crucial steps towards ending the disproportionate impact of this disease. Join the effort in spreading awareness and showing solidarity. Let's educate ourselves, support each other, and promote access to resources for prevention and treatment. Together, we can make a difference. #NBHAAD #EndTheStigma #HIVAwareness

ICYMI: Black gay men do not need to be the most impacted population by HIV. We have all the necessary solutions. My co-panelists and I were succinct in how we can effect change which will require that we get comfortable making other uncomfortable who proport systemic racism (health departments, federal partners, private donors, longstanging HIV service orgs...everyone). We will not just be shaking tables, but being strategic about which ones we move and which ones that we lift up. We literally have all the necessary solutions to End the HIV Epidemic for Black gay men like has already been done for white gay men. HIV & Aging is not just for white gay men. PrEP is not just for white gay men. MIPA Principles is not just for white gay men. Time to make these words a reality. #HIV #EndHIV #HealthEquity #Racism #MedicalDisService #PublicHealth #Black #Gay #Men #BlackGayMen #BlackHistoryMonth Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSAgov), HHS U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) https://lnkd.in/dx3u6zaG

National Women and Girls HIV Awareness Day spotlights the persistent challenges women and girls face in the fight against HIV. Black and Hispanic women continue to be disproportionately impacted by HIV, underscoring the critical need for accessible HIV prevention and treatment, stigma reduction, and gender equality. Let’s celebrate the progress made and continue to push for sustained commitment to ensure every woman and girl can thrive. Despite being long-time advocates of HIV prevention and care, women are often excluded from conversations about the future of these efforts. Today, we emphasize the need for more research focused on women, the importance of empowering women through education, and our ongoing commitment to amplifying the voices of women affected by HIV. #NWGHAD #StopHIVTogether #BreakTheStigma #KnowYourStatus #UnitedAgainstHIV

Addressing obstacles to PrEP for Black gay, bisexual, same gender loving, and other MSM is crucial to ending the HIV epidemic. HIV incidence is higher among Black MSM than among other subpopulations in the United States. However, Black MSM are among the least likely to take PrEP. In a demonstration project tailored to Black MSM, culturally informed care coordination significantly increased PrEP uptake and adherence. Strategies like applying evidence-based guidelines, increasing community representation among providers, partnering with Black organizations, and using culturally responsive materials are key to overcoming barriers and promoting PrEP uptake. #HIVprevention #BlackMSM #PrEPawareness