WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that only 86 percent of the 1.1 million people who have HIV in the United States are aware of their HIV status; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina ranks 10th among all states and dependent areas for the rate of newly diagnosed HIV; and
WHEREAS, according to the preliminary North Carolina HIV Surveillance Report, of the 1,079 people aged 13 and older diagnosed with HIV in 2020, 76 percent were among people of color and 66 percent are virally suppressed thanks to treatment; and
WHEREAS, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, HIV testing by state-sponsored programs in North Carolina decreased by 37 percent in 2020; and
WHEREAS, there is no cure for the HIV infection; however, people with an undetectable HIV viral load for at least six months cannot transmit the HIV virus and, when taken as directed, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) prevents acquisition of HIV; and
WHEREAS, each year on National HIV Testing Day, the State of North Carolina, local health departments and hospitals, HIV care providers, community organizations and faith-based allies come together to raise awareness of the importance of HIV testing and early diagnosis and link people to care and treatment services; and
WHEREAS, today, the State of North Carolina is releasing its Plan to End the HIV Epidemic in honor of all those who are living with HIV and everyone we have lost to this tragic epidemic;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim June 27, 2021, as “HIV TESTING DAY” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.