WHEREAS, started 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, the theme for the 2024 observance, marking forty-three years since the HIV/AIDS epidemic began, is “Collective Action: Sustain and Accelerate HIV Progress,” which celebrates the progress that has been made through global and domestic HIV programs over the last four-plus decades, while also recognizing that we must continue to innovate and adapt based on new scientific advancements, research, and lessons learned; and

WHEREAS, in the United States, more than 1.2 million people are living with HIV today, including about 1,800 people here in Maine, and approximately 39 million people are living with the disease worldwide; and

WHEREAS, because of antiretroviral treatments such as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), we have the comprehensive tools to prevent new HIV infections; and

WHEREAS, the development of programs such as the Ryan White CARE Act, which helps people with low income access needed care and treatment, have greatly contributed to sustained health for those impacted by HIV/AIDS; and

WHEREAS, the State of Maine recognizes the essential role of the networks 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;

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that I, Janet T. Mills, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby proclaim December 1st, 2024 as

World AIDS Day

throughout the State of Maine, and I encourage all citizens to take part in activities and observances designed to increase awareness and understanding of HIV/AIDS as a global challenge and to join the global effort to prevent the further spread of HIV/AIDS.

In testimony whereof, I have caused the Great Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed GIVEN under my hand at Augusta this twentieth day of November Two Thousand Twenty-Four