Assembly Resolution No. 326

BY: M. of A. Buttenschon

RECOGNIZING the observance of World AIDS Day, on
December 1, 2023

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, Friday, December 1, 2023; 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, 2023.