“Saving face can’t make you safe. Talk about HIV for me, or you, for everyone.” This is the theme for Asian and Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, May 19.

Asians and Pacific Islanders (APIs) comprise an exceptionally diverse population, representing 1.7% of the U.S. population and 2% of new HIV infections in 2010, according to CDC. Most Asian HIV/AIDS cases are among gay/bisexual men and transgender individuals. Language and culture represent key barriers to care, as outlined in this HRSA HIV/AIDS Bureau fact sheet.

Asians and Hawaiins/Pacific Islanders each comprise less than 2% of those receiving Ryan White services. 

Ryan White Care Makes a Difference

Overall, Ryan White clients have higher rates of retention in care (80.6%) and better viral suppression (83.4%), compared with national data. Asians and Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders also fair better, but with variable results, according to the 2015 RSR Report, the client-level data report on the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program. 

Outcomes Among MSM Asians and Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders

Among men who have sex with men (MSM) receiving RWHAP services, retention in care and viral suppression was comparable to overall RWHAP averages but below average for specific subgroups. Among MSM, retention in care was lowest among MSM Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders (73.3%) and MSM American Indian/Alaska Natives (74.6%). 

A Trans Woman Living with HIV

TA and Training Resources

The HRSA HIV/AIDS Bureau and its partners have developed a number of resources to address HIV/AIDS among API populations.

Highlights include:

• Clinician’s Guide to Working with Asian and Pacific Islanders Living with HIV.
• BESAFE: A Cultural Competency Model for Asians and Pacific Islanders.
• The Compendium of Culturally Competent Promising Practices: The Role of Traditional Healing in HIV Clinical Management.