Statement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
contactus@nc100bw.org
Primary: 404-390-3982
National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. Urges Action to Protect Black Women and Girls as HIV Threats Grow
ATLANTA, GA — March 25, 2026 — The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. (NCBW) is calling for urgent attention to the impact HIV prevention and treatment threats could have on Black women and girls. Recent public concern has raised new alarms about cuts that could deepen health inequities already facing Black communities.
For NCBW, this issue directly aligns with its mission to advocate for Black women and girls and advance gender equity in health, education, and economic empowerment. The organization believes health equity is essential to the safety, stability, and future of Black families and communities.
The data underscores the urgency. In 2023, Black females accounted for 50% of HIV diagnoses among females in the United States, despite representing just 13% of the female population. Black females also had the highest HIV diagnosis rate among female racial and ethnic groups. In addition, Black teens and young adults ages 13 to 24 were nearly four times as likely to have HIV as others their age nationwide.
“Black women and girls cannot be pushed to the margins of public health policy,” said Virginia W. Harris of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. “When prevention, treatment, and care are weakened, our communities feel the consequences first and often most severely. NCBW will continue to advocate for the policies, resources, and community-based solutions that protect the health, dignity, and future of Black women and girls.”
NCBW is calling on policymakers, healthcare leaders, and community advocates to protect access to HIV testing, prevention, education, treatment, and culturally responsive care. The organization remains committed to advancing health equity and improving outcomes for Black women and girls nationwide.
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The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Incorporated is a 45-year-old advocacy organization whose vision is that Black women and girls will live in a world where socio-economic inequity does not exist. Thus, we advocate on behalf of Black women and girls to promote leadership development and gender equity in the areas of health, education, and economic empowerment. As a voice for millions of Black women and girls in the United States, the Coalition believes in inclusion, respect, racial and social justice, integrity, accountability, and collaboration. For more information visit the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. at www.ncbw.org.
NCBW Mission: To advocate on behalf of Black women and girls to promote leadership development and gender equity in the areas of health, education and economic empowerment.
Tax-Exempt Status: NCBW is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization recognized as tax-exempt under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954.
