Expressing support for the designation of September 9 as "National African Immigrant and Refugee HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis Awareness Day" or "NAIRHHA Day".
H. Res. 693 is a non-binding House Resolution introducing and expressing support for designating September 9 as “National African Immigrant and Refugee HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis Awareness Day” (NAIRHHA Day). The resolution outlines the purpose of NAIRHHA Day as a national focus to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote education, testing, vaccination, and linkage to care for HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis within African immigrant and refugee communities. It emphasizes the disproportionately high burden of HIV and hepatitis B among African immigrants, the existing barriers to testing and treatment (including stigma, language, immigration status concerns, and limited health literacy), and the need for culturally and linguistically appropriate health services. While it highlights objectives for NAIRHHA Day (awareness, education, and advocacy for supportive policies), the resolution itself does not create new mandates or funding; it merely signals Congressional support and encourages action by public health and community organizations. The bill was introduced in the House by Rep. Johnson (GA) and Rep. Velázquez and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. It situates NAIRHHA Day within broader efforts to address health disparities in African immigrant and refugee communities and to align with standards for culturally and linguistically appropriate services (CLAS) in health care. As a resolution, its effect is symbolic and aspirational, intended to mobilize attention, resources, and policy consideration rather than to legislate new programs or authorize funding.
Key Points
- 1Establishes support for designating September 9 as “National African Immigrant and Refugee HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis Awareness Day” (NAIRHHA Day).
- 2Highlights the rapid growth of the African immigrant population in the United States and the disproportionate burden of HIV and hepatitis B in those communities, along with gaps in prevention, testing, and care (including low PrEP awareness/use).
- 3Calls attention to barriers faced by African immigrants—stigma, language and cultural barriers, fear related to immigration status, and limited health insurance—necessitating culturally and linguistically appropriate health services.
- 4Emphasizes the importance of applying culturally responsive standards (CLAS) and building community capacity to promote knowledge, testing, vaccination (including hepatitis B), treatment, and ongoing care.
- 5Sets forth the objectives of NAIRHHA Day: raise awareness and reduce stigma; educate about prevention and treatment; advocate for policies and practices that support healthy African immigrant communities—while noting there is currently no existing HIV/AIDS awareness day specifically addressing this group.