WORLD AIDS DAY
2024
BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
A PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, North Carolina, comes together to remember family and friends we have lost, stand with an estimated 39 million people living with HIV/AIDS worldwide, fight this devastating pandemic through education and vaccine research, and renew our commitment to preventing the spread of this virus; and
WHEREAS, the theme for the 2024 observance, marking forty-three years since the HIV/AIDS epidemic began, is “Remember and Commit;” and
WHEREAS, 36,581 North Carolinians were living with HIV in 2022, of whom 67 percent were virally suppressed – on treatment and unable to transmit the virus to others via sexual contact – and people of color are disproportionately impacted; 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, by combatting HIV stigma, and linking people who are newly diagnosed 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) programs, and by implementing other proven prevention strategies that significantly reduce the risk of acquiring HIV; and
WHEREAS, the NCDHHS 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, North Carolina’s expanded Medicaid provides an opportunity to improve the overall health and well-being of many people living with HIV; and
WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina joins people living with HIV, all 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, 2024, as “WORLD AIDS DAY” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.
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Roy Cooper
Governor
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this second day of December in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-four and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.