Recognize World AIDS Day

December 1, 2017 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to acknowledge official days that are set aside to increase awareness of serious issues that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is moved to recognize the observance of World AIDS Day, Thursday, December 1, 2017; and WHEREAS, World AIDS Day, observed on December 1 every year, brings together people from around the world to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS; since 1995, the President of the United States has made an official proclamation on World AIDS Day; and WHEREAS, World AIDS Day is an opportunity for public and private partners to spread awareness about the status of the pandemic and encourage progress in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care in high prevalence countries and around the world; and WHEREAS, Initiated by the United Nations, and first held in 1988, World AIDS Day was the first ever declared global health day; commemorating the day presents an opportunity to demonstrate international solidarity in the face of the pandemic; and WHEREAS, HIV/AIDS continues to be a major global public health issue; the disease claimed more than 25 million lives over the past three decades, making it one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history; and WHEREAS, Worldwide there were approximately 34 million people living with HIV in 2011; sub-Saharan Africa is the most affected region, with nearly 1 in every 20 adults living with HIV; and WHEREAS, The HIV/AIDS pandemic affects New York State; in 2008, there were a reported 187,738 cases of AIDS, and another 48,266 individuals were living with HIV; and WHEREAS, According to the AIDS Institute, over 55,000 African Americans live with HIV/AIDS in the State of New York; and WHEREAS, The World AIDS Campaign focus on "Zero AIDS related deaths" signifies a push towards greater access to treatment for all; a call for communities and governments to act now; and WHEREAS, There is no cure for HIV infection; however, effective treatment with antiretroviral drugs can control the virus so that people with HIV can enjoy healthy and productive lives; and WHEREAS, It is crucial that days such as World AIDS Day are observed in order to continue raising awareness and eventually, terminating the spread of HIV/AIDS, not only in the State of New York, but around the world; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to recognize the observance of World AIDS Day on December 1, 2017.