The Navajo HIV Prevention Program was established in response to the growing need to address HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) within the Navajo Nation. In the early 1990s, tribal leaders, public health officials, and community advocates recognized that Native communities across the U.S. — including Diné people — were experiencing rising rates of HIV, often with limited culturally relevant education, stigma-free services, and prevention resources.

Initially supported by collaborations between the Navajo Nation Department of Health, Indian Health Service (IHS), and state and federal partners, the program began by focusing on HIV awareness and education campaigns. Early efforts involved:

• Community-based education
• Training of health educators
• Offering confidential HIV testing, counseling, and linkage to care
• Building trust with local communities

As knowledge about HIV prevention advanced, the program expanded its scope to include comprehensive services:

• Routine HIV testing in clinics and community settings
• Integration of Hepatitis C (HCV) and syphilis prevention and testing in partnership with other organizations
• Education and resources to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) through
• Harm reduction strategies and safer sex outreach
• Youth-focused prevention initiatives like Native STAND
• Cultural and linguistic adaptations of HIV materials

The Navajo HIV Prevention Program also works in close partnership with

• Navajo Area IHS facilities
• Local public health nurses
• Navajo Nation Correctional facilities
• Community Health Representatives (CHRs)
• Navajo Nation Department of Behavioral and Mental Health Services
• State health departments (Arizona, New Mexico, Utah)
• National tribal HIV networks and programs