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RESOLUTION 48 OF 2018
JOINT RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING
WORLD AIDS DAY IN SALT LAKE CITY
Whereas, according to estimates from the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS, there are now more than 36.9 million people throughout the world living with HIV; of these, 1.8 million are children; 1.8 million new infections occurred among adults and children in 2017 alone; and
Whereas, HIV infections are continuing to increase in Utah, with 25 to 34 year old Utahns being most impacted in 2017; and
WHEREAS, up to 80 percent of people living with HIV in Utah reside along the Wasatch Front; and
Whereas, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found that HIV-related stigma has a significant negative impact on people living with HIV, increases new infections, and delays people seeking testing for HIV; and
whereas, stigma, shame and fear make people less likely to discuss their sexual health with doctors and often leads to delays in seeking testing or treatment for sexually transmitted infections and HIV, which can have serious long term health consequences; and
WHEREAS, the elimination of stigma in Utah will lead to better physical and mental health outcomes for people living with HIV, increased HIV disclosure, increased HIV testing and decreased HIV infections; and
Whereas, World AIDS Day was established in 1988 and is observed each year on December 1 to provide an opportunity for individuals and communities to take action and help educate for HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care; and
WHEREAS, Salt Lake City has joined other cities around the world in an effort to increase awareness, reduce stigma, provide education about HIV/AIDS and demonstrate compassion for those affected by HIV.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED
The Salt Lake City Council and Mayor of Salt Lake City hereby recognize December 1, 2018 as World AIDS Day in Salt Lake City and encourage all residents to unite together in the fight against HIV/AIDS, reduce the stigma of HIV/AIDS, and support those who are living with or have been affected by HIV/AIDS.
Passed by the City Council of Salt Lake City, Utah, this 27th day of November, 2018.