Governor Proclaims National HIV Testing Day 2023

WHEREAS, in North Carolina, approximately 40,085 people were living with HIV/AIDS in 2021, including an estimated 4,450 people who were living with HIV but undiagnosed; and

WHEREAS, according to the North Carolina HIV/AIDS Surveillance Report, of the 1,400 people aged 13 and older diagnosed with HIV in 2021, 67 percent were virally suppressed thanks to treatment; and

WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina provides funding for HIV testing, and more than 104,000 HIV tests were conducted at the State Laboratory of Public Health in 2021; and

WHEREAS, Black 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; they also face structural and other barriers to care; and

WHEREAS, with linkage to care and following their doctor’s care regimen, people living with HIV can achieve viral suppression, and when virally suppressed, cannot transmit the HIV virus to others; 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), and by implementing 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, each year on National HIV Testing Day, the State of North Carolina, local health departments, people living with 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, 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 June 27, 2023, as “NATIONAL HIV TESTING DAY” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.