Reps. Johnson, Velázquez and Barbara Lee Introduce Resolution Federally Recognizing National African Immigrant and Refugee HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis Awareness (NAIRHHA) Day

NAIRHHA Day, September 9th, has been recognized in HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis communities but will now be recognized federally for the first time

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Hepatitis Caucus Co-Chairs, Congressman Hank Johnson and Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez (NY) along with HIV/AIDS Caucus Co-Chair, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA), introduced a resolution to recognize September 9th as National African Immigrant and Refugee HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis Awareness (NAIRHHA) Day.

NAIRHHA Day takes place in September because this is the month that has been designated as National African Immigrant Month in the United States, to celebrate the diverse and remarkable contributions African immigrants have made to enrich the United States, in spheres ranging from sports to writing to politics. Recognition of NAIRHHA Day is a matter of health equity and will assist with resolving one of the most pronounced health disparities affecting African immigrant communities today.

HIV infection rates are six times higher among African immigrants in the United States than in the general US population and are nearly twice those of US-born Black individuals. African immigrants face the highest average chronic hepatitis B rates in the country, with approximately 10% of these communities living with hepatitis B. With the rapid population rise of African immigrants in the U.S., it is critical to raise awareness among healthcare and social service providers and among African immigrant and refugee communities about the risk of viral hepatitis and HIV/AIDS, their potential consequences, and opportunities for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

"As co-chair of the Congressional Hepatitis Caucus, I am committed to creating a more equitable approach to healthcare in this country, which begins with awareness," said Rep. Hank Johnson "By introducing this resolution to designate NAIRHHA Day a federal health observance, I hope to bring much-needed attention to the HIV and viral hepatitis needs of African immigrants living in the US. This resolution will help empower these communities to take charge of their health."

"Since 2014, NAIRHHA Day has served as a vital occasion to highlight the HIV and viral hepatitis needs of African immigrants in the United States," said Congresswoman Velázquez. "By recognizing NAIRHHA Day as a federal health observance, we can help build awareness around the significant challenges African immigrant communities face around HIV and viral hepatitis testing, diagnosis, care, and treatment. By increasing education and reducing the stigma around HIV and viral hepatitis health care, we can help lessen the harm these diseases have on African immigrant and refugee populations."

"HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis are impacting the African immigrant community at an alarming rate," said Congresswoman Lee. "As Co-Chair of the HIV/AIDS Caucus, I am committed to spreading awareness and improving resources available to minority populations historically disenfranchised by the health care system. This resolution is a step towards empowering the African immigrant community, who enrich our nation and deserve to live long, healthy lives."

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