December 1, 2024: World AIDS Day

WHEREAS, HIV continues to be a significant global and local public health issue, with approximately 39.9 million people living with HIV globally and an estimated 1.3 million people acquiring HIV in 2023; and,

WHEREAS, in Michigan, 696 people were diagnosed with HIV in 2023 and 18,437 people were living with HIV at the end of 2023; and,

WHEREAS, HIV is treatable thanks to antiretroviral therapy, new laboratory and epidemiological techniques that allow identification of where HIV is spreading most rapidly, and improvements to health care resources that stop its further spread; and,

WHEREAS, we must continue our efforts to work toward more effectively diagnosing, treating, and caring for people living with HIV, and ensure all people have access to HIV prevention, testing, and affordable care; we must also work toward reducing HIV stigma, which can create barriers to testing, treatment, and prevention; and,

WHEREAS, Ending HIV in Michigan is an attainable and winnable goal; and,

WHEREAS, Michigan will release its Ending HIV Together: Michigan’s Equitable Plan on Dec. 2 in recognition of World AIDS Day 2024;and,

WHEREAS, Ending HIV Together: Michigan’s Equitable Plan is an effort by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to reduce new HIV infections in our state by 90% by 2030 through increased diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and coordinated response; and,

WHEREAS, World AIDS Day has been promoted every year since 1988 to unite in the fight against HIV, show support for people living with HIV, and commemorate the more than 32 million people who have died from an AIDS-related illness;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim December 1, 2024, as World AIDS Day recognizing the release of the Ending HIV Together: Michigan Equitable Plan.