Resolution 060557

..Title Recognizing and supporting for the 12th Annual AIDS Education month during June 2006. ..Body WHEREAS, Since the beginning of the AIDS epidemic 25 years ago an estimated 70 million people have been infected worldwide and over 25 million have died and 44 million are living with HIV in the world today, most of them in environments where they do not have access to treatment; and WHEREAS, Over 1 million Americans are estimated to be living with HIV/AIDS, and it is estimated that 1/4 of them are not aware of their infection; and WHEREAS, In Philadelphia, 30,000 people are living with HIV/AIDS with many of these cases being women who are not aware that they were at risk, and the predominant mode of transmission in Philadelphia is heterosexual sex; and WHEREAS, Many people wait until they are sick before they get tested, thus losing the opportunity to begin early treatment; and WHEREAS, Young people are at high risk and many may not realize they are at risk; and WHEREAS, Most new HIV cases in the United States are occurring in people under thirty, placing youth at risk; and WHEREAS, The 12th Annual AIDS Education Month has the theme "Get Tested, Get Treated, Get Active" making everyone aware of their HIV status so that they seek effective treatment if they are infected; and then to become active in stopping the spread of HIV in our communities; and WHEREAS, Free confidential testing is available in Philadelphia and effective treatment for HIV is available in Philadelphia, regardless of ability to pay; and WHEREAS, Philadelphia FIGHT is the sponsor of AIDS Education Month along with 40 other organizations and agencies that will host conferences, community presentations, a gospel concert, community speak-outs and National HIV/AIDS Testing Day on June 27; and WHEREAS, AIDS Education Month is held each year to draw attention to the AIDS epidemic, and to encourage people in our community to involve themselves in helping to end the epidemic; now therefore RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby recognize and support the 12th Annual AIDS Education Month. ..End