LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION recognizing the observance of World AIDS Day, on
December 1, 2014

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to acknowledge offi-
cial 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, Monday, December 1, 2014; 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 part-
ners 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; commem-
orating 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, World-wide 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 Ameri-
cans live with HIV/AIDS in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, World AIDS Days from 2011-2015, have the theme of "Getting to
zero: zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS related
deaths"; 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 treat-
ment 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, 2014.