To: County of Sonoma Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Department of Health Services
Staff Name and Phone Number: Nolan Sullivan, 707-565-4774; Amelyn Olson, 707-565-2696
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Recommended Action:
Title
Adopt a Gold Resolution proclaiming December 1, 2025 as World AIDS Day in Sonoma County.
End
Executive Summary:
Initiated in 1988 and observed on December 1, World AIDS Day was the first time a health day was ever observed globally. The day is an opportunity for everyone around the world to come together in the fight against the disease, stand in solidarity to support those suffering from Human Immunodeficiency Viruses (HIV), and remember those who lost their lives to this illness.
Discussion:
World AIDS Day is dedicated to increasing awareness of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) pandemic caused by the spread of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, and mourning those who have died of the disease. An estimated 40 million people worldwide have died of AIDS since 1981, and an estimated 40.8 million are currently living with HIV, making it one of the most important global public health issues in recorded history. Despite recent improvements in treatment, 630,000 people die from HIV-related causes each year, of which more than 75,000 are children.
The Sonoma County HIV Service Providers Coalition, a set of high quality, well-coordinated HIV prevention and care agencies, are planning a number of events surrounding the week of World AIDS Day. These events are designed to increase awareness and understanding of HIV and AIDS, to promote testing for HIV and to encourage Sonoma County residents to get involved locally and globally by volunteering at or donating to one of the many local HIV prevention and care agencies in Sonoma County. This year’s theme for Sonoma County, which marks the 38th anniversary of World AIDS Day, is “Take the first step to ending HIV, Know Your Status.”
Statistics regarding HIV/AIDS globally, country-wide, state-wide, and county-wide are provided below to inform the reader and reinforce the importance of the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Global HIV/AIDS Statistics in 2024
According to the UNAIDS 2025 Fact Sheet, as of 2024:
• 40.8 million people globally were living with HIV.
• An estimated 1.3 million people were newly infected with HIV.
o This marks a 40% reduction from 2.2 million people in 2010
• Around 630,000 people died from AIDS related illnesses.
o This is a 54% decrease from 1.4 million deaths in 2010.
• Since the start of the epidemic, 44.1 million people have died from AIDS-related illnesses.
United States HIV/AIDS Statistics for 2023 (Source: <https://www.cdc.gov/hiv-data/nhss/hiv-diagnoses-deaths-and-prevalence-2025.html>)
• An estimated 39,201 persons were diagnosed with HIV infection.
• More than 1.1 million people are living with HIV/AIDS.
• 4,496 people died from AIDS related illness
California HIV/AIDS Statistics in 2023 (Source: <https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DOA/CDPH%20Document%20Library/California-HIV-Surveillance-Report-2023.pdf>)
• 4,948 people received a new diagnosis of HIV infection.
• Approximately 143,254 persons are living with HIV infection.
Sonoma County HIV/AIDS Statistics in 2023 (Source: <https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DOA/CDPH%20Document%20Library/California-HIV-Surveillance-Report-2023.pdf>)
• Approximately 1,501 persons are living with HIV infection (including the projected 13% who are undiagnosed).
• Thirty-eight (38) people received a new diagnosis of HIV infection.
Prior Board Actions:
Most recently, on November 8, 2022 the Board adopted a resolution proclaiming December 1, 2022 as World AIDS Day in Sonoma County.
Fiscal Summary
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
N/A
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
N/A
Attachments:
Attachment 1 - Resolution
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None