WHEREAS, North Carolina and the global community come together on World AIDS Day to remember family and friends who we have lost, to stand with the estimated 39 million people living with HIV/AIDS worldwide, and to renew our commitment to preventing the spread of this virus; and
WHEREAS, the theme for the 2023 observance, marking 42 years since the HIV/AIDS epidemic began, is “Global solidarity, shared responsibility;” and
WHEREAS, 67 percent of the 36,581 North Carolinians living with HIV in 2021 were virally suppressed, meaning they were receiving treatment and unable to transmit the virus to others via sexual contact; and
WHEREAS, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health works to end the HIV epidemic by providing life-saving treatments to people living with HIV and by reaching out to people who are newly diagnosed and their contacts to link them to care; 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 DHHS 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 treatment for all people living with HIV; and
WHEREAS, expansion of Medicaid in North Carolina will provide an opportunity to improve the health and well-being of many people living with HIV; and
WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina joins people living with HIV, local health departments, HIV/AIDS community based organizations, local hospitals, HIV medical providers, and other community and faith-based allies in supporting efforts to end HIV stigma, and to improve education, prevention, access to care, treatment and supportive services, and to encourage effective partnerships to end the spread of HIV/AIDS;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim December 1, 2023, as “WORLD AIDS DAY” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.