While men account for most HIV/AIDS cases, the impact on women is growing. HIV/AIDS is a serious public health issue that affects almost 280,000 women in the United States. To bring awareness to this growing national concern, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has declared March 10 of this year National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.

According to the American Foundation for AIDS Research, women account for more than one in four new HIV/AIDS diagnoses and deaths, and the proportion of diagnoses reported among women has more than tripled since 1985. HIV/AIDS also has a disproportionate affect on women in ethnic minorities. African Americans and Hispanics represent a quarter of all women in the U.S., but they account for over 80 percent of AIDS cases among women. African Americans constituted 61 percent of women diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in 2005.

Girls represented 43 percent of AIDS cases reported among people aged 13 to 19. Education is one of the most effective tools in preventing HIV infections, and is especially important for girls so that they are able to make informed decisions about their sexual lives. Eradicating the stigma of HIV/AIDS through education can decrease the vulnerability of a group that may be at high risk for HIV infection.

Throughout the month of March, organizations across the country will come together to offer support, promote discussion, and teach women and girls about prevention of HIV, the importance of getting tested for HIV, and how to live with and manage AIDS. To help promote awareness, I asked all my fellow female senators to join me in wearing red ribbons for the day.