Thursday is National Women and Girls HIV and AIDS Awareness Day

Thursday, March 10, will be recognized as National Women and Girls HIV and AIDS Awareness Day to call attention to the growing number of females affected by the disease.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than 100,000 women have died from AIDS since the infections first became recognized by physicians in the U.S.

In 2009, almost 25 percent of new HIV cases involved women or girls over the age of 13, the CDC notes.

In light of the nationally recognized day, health officials in many states will be encouraging residents to learn more about their risk of contracting HIV and to get tested.

A Tennessee news source, Clarksville Online, reported that one in every four HIV-positive residents is female.

“By knowing their status, women can take steps to protect themselves from HIV, to receive treatment and prevent passing it on to others, including their children," Carolyn West, one of the state's medical directors, told the news provider.

Individuals who would like to be screened for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases may consider using confidential online testing services.