WHEREAS, each year, National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is observed during Black History Month to raise awareness about the impact of HIV on Black and African American communities, and to acknowledge progress in HIV prevention, care, and linkage to treatment for Black/African American people; and
WHEREAS, more than 36,000 North Carolinians were living with HIV in 2021, 67 percent of whom were virally suppressed, meaning they were on treatment and unable to transmit the virus to others via sexual contact; and
WHEREAS, it is possible to end the HIV epidemic by suppressing the virus so that transmission does not occur, by promoting PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), along with other proven prevention strategies that significantly reduce the risk of acquiring HIV; and
WHEREAS, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services' Division of Public Health developed a Plan to End the HIV Epidemic in the state that encourages regular testing and screening of those who may be at risk for HIV; and
WHEREAS, Black/African American men and women continue to experience the highest rates of new HIV diagnoses with 72.9 cases per 100,000 for men and 15.7 cases per 100,000 for women, all of whom must overcome structural and other barriers to care; and
WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina, local health departments, people living with HIV, HIV/AIDS community based organizations, local hospitals, medical providers, and community and faith-based allies will continue to work collaboratively to overcome all barriers to HIV testing, prevention, and treatment, and to challenge stigma and improve education, prevention, and access to care;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim February 7, 2024, as “NATIONAL BLACK HIV/AIDS AWARENESS DAY” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.