WHEREAS, starting in 1988 and recognized annually on December 1st, World AIDS Day is a global event to remember those who have lost their lives to AIDS, and to honor and support those living with and affected by HIV; and
WHEREAS, this year’s international focus is “ This World AIDS Day, UNAIDS is highlighting the urgent need to end inequalities that drive AIDS around the world; and
WHEREAS, in the United States, more than 1.2 million people are living with HIV today, approximately 38.4 million people are living with the disease worldwide; and
WHEREAS, in Alaska, 2,026 cases of HIV/AIDS have been confirmed since reporting began in 1982 through 2020; of these, 704 are known to have died; and
WHEREAS, over the last three decades, there have been many advancements in drug treatments for persons with HIV/AIDS that have reduced the transmission and acquisition of HIV, transforming it for many into a manageable chronic condition; and
WHEREAS, because of antiretroviral treatments such as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), and Treatment as Prevention (TasP), people living with HIV who start these therapies early in the course of infection can now expect a new normal life span; and
WHEREAS, the State of Alaska recognizes the essential role of the network of individuals living with and affected by HIV, community health workers, health care providers, organizations, and the advocates who continue to fight the HIV/AIDS epidemic; and
WHEREAS, we will continue to increase awareness and improve education about HIV/AIDS, we must also respond globally to end HIV/AIDS as a public health threat.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim December 1, 2022 as:
HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
in Alaska, encourage all Alaskans to take part in activities and observances designed to increase awareness and understanding of HIV/AIDS as a global challenge; to take part in HIV/AIDS prevention activities and programs; to join the global effort to prevent the further spread of HIV/AIDS; and to offer compassion and support to those who are affected, their loved ones, and to their health care providers. This World AIDS Day let us join together to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Dated: December 1, 2022
