HomeMy WebLinkAboutProclamation proclaiming December 1, 1999 as World Aids Day ,
WORLD AIDS DAY — DECEMBER 1, 1999
Whereas the global spread of HIV infection and AIDS necessitates a worldwide effort
to increase communication, education and action to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS; and
Whereas the joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) observes
December 1 of each year as World AIDS Day; and
Whereas UNAIDS estimates that 33.4 million people are currently living with
HIV/AIDS, with young people under the age of 25 accounting for more than half of all
new infections; and
Whereas the American Association for World Health is encouraging a better
understanding of the challenge of HIV/AIDS nationally as it recognizes that the number
of people diagnosed with HIV and AIDS in the United States continues to increase, with
688,200 AIDS cases reported as of December, 1998; and
Whereas World AIDS day provides an opportunity to focus on HIV infection and AIDS,
caring for people with HIV infection and AIDS, and learning about HIV and AIDS; and
Whereas the 1999 World AIDS Day theme, AIDS — End the Silence, Listen, Live!
Encourages us to (a) listen to young people, hear their views and concerns, and engage
them in conversation about issues concerning sex, sexuality, and HIV/AIDS; (b) learn
from one another about respect, participating, support, and ways to prevent HIV
infection; and (c) live in a world where fewer people are infected with HIV, where the
rights of young people are protected, and where those living with HIV/AIDS are cared
for and are free from discrimination; and,
Whereas 136 Orange County residents are currently living with HIV/AIDS and another
62 have died.
Now, therefore, be it proclaimed that we, the Orange County Board of
Commissioners do hereby declare that Orange County will observe World AIDS day on
December 1, 1999; we urge all citizens to take part in activities and observances
designed to increase awareness and understanding of HIV/AIDS as a global challenge,
to take part in HIV/AIDS prevention activities and programs, and to join the global effort
to prevent the further spread of HIV/AIDS.
Alice M. Gordon, Chair
Board of Commissioners