Supporting the goals and ideals of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.

Summary of H.Res. 1109: Supporting the Goals and Ideals of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

Overview

H.Res. 1109 is a House Resolution designed to formally recognize and support National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, observed annually on March 10. The resolution serves as a symbolic expression of the House of Representatives' commitment to combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic, with a specific focus on the disproportionate impact the virus has on women and girls both in the United States and globally.

As a "Simple Resolution," this bill does not create new laws or allocate specific funds; rather, it establishes a formal policy position and a call to action for the U.S. government.

Main Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of the resolution is to raise awareness about the unique vulnerabilities women and girls face regarding HIV infection. It emphasizes that gender norms, sexual violence, and lack of access to reproductive healthcare are significant drivers of the epidemic. The bill seeks to promote a coordinated national and global response to reduce new infections and improve outcomes for those living with the virus.

Key Provisions and Goals

The resolution expresses support for several critical health and social initiatives:

1. Public Health and Prevention

• Increased Screening: Supports the CDC's recommendations for routine HIV testing for patients aged 13–64 and all pregnant women.
• Medical Access: Encourages the expansion of access to life-saving medications, specifically PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis).
• Education: Promotes the inclusion of medically accurate, inclusive, and culturally responsive HIV information within sexual education curricula.

2. Addressing Disparities

• Racial and Ethnic Equity: Acknowledges that women of color—particularly African American and Latina women—are disproportionately affected by new diagnoses and HIV-related deaths.
• Vulnerable Populations: Calls for a greater focus on women who have survived violence or face discrimination due to their HIV status.

3. Global and Diplomatic Efforts

• International Aid: Supports U.S. investment in global efforts to reduce infections, noting that a high percentage of new infections occur among adolescent girls and young women, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Human Rights: Encourages diplomatic efforts to combat discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and to address violence against women.

Who is Affected?

• Women and Girls: Particularly those in marginalized communities or high-risk environments who lack access to comprehensive healthcare.
• Healthcare Providers: Encouraged to adopt "youth-friendly" and culturally responsive care models.
• Policymakers: Urged to maintain bipartisan support for HIV research, treatment, and prevention funding.

Procedural Status

• Introduced: March 5, 2026.
• Referrals: The resolution has been referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
• Current Stage: It is currently undergoing committee review to determine the necessary steps for further consideration by the House.