Governor Stein Proclaims World AIDS Day

World Aids Day

2025

By The Governor Of The State Of North Carolina

A Proclamation

Whereas, each year, the global community, including North Carolina, comes together on World AIDS Day to remember family and friends we have lost, stand with an estimated 40.8 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, this year’s observance marks 43 years since the HIV/AIDS epidemic began with the with the description of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and the eventual identification of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that can lead to AIDS; and

Whereas, 38,614 North Carolinians were living with HIV in 2024, among whom 70 percent were virally suppressed (on treatment and unable to transmit the virus to others via sexual contact) and people of color were disproportionately impacted; 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 treatment for all people living with HIV; and

Whereas, it is possible to end the HIV epidemic by suppressing the virus so that transmission does not occur, promoting PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) programs, and implementing other proven prevention strategies that significantly reduce the risk of acquiring 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, to improve education, prevention, and access to care, treatment and supportive services, and to encourage effective partnerships to end the spread of HIV/AIDS;

Now, Therefore, I, Josh Stein, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim December 1, 2025, as “World Aids Day” in North Carolina and commend its observance to all citizens.

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 eighteenth day of November in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-fifth and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.