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, 2026 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 44.2 million people worldwide have died of AIDS since 1981, and an estimated 41 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, 570,000 people die from HIV-related causes each year.
The Sonoma County HIV Service Providers Coalition, a set of high quality, well-coordinated HIV prevention and care agencies, are planning several 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 39th anniversary of World AIDS Day, is “Together for Prevention, Care, and Equity.”
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 (2025 data)
UNAIDS estimates the following for the world in 2025:
• 41.0 million people were living with HIV, including about 5.0 million who did not know their status.
• 1.2 million people newly acquired HIV.
• 570,000 people died of AIDS-related illnesses, and 32.1 million were receiving antiretroviral therapy.
• Since the epidemic began, 92.0 million people have acquired HIV and 44.2 million have died of AIDS-related illnesses.
Source: UNAIDS, Global HIV & AIDS Statistics Fact Sheet (2026). <https://www.unaids.org/en/resources/fact-sheet>
United States (2022 data, the most recent available)
CDC surveillance data, as published by HIV.gov, show the following for the U.S. in 2022:
• About 1.2 million people aged 13 and older were living with HIV, and about 13% (158,249) did not know it.
• An estimated 31,800 people acquired HIV, a 12% decrease from 2018.
• 37,981 people received an HIV diagnosis (U.S. and 6 territories and freely associated states).
Source: HIV.gov, U.S. Statistics (citing CDC HIV Surveillance Reports). <https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/overview/data-and-trends/statistics>
California (2024 data)
The California Department of Public Health reports the following for California in 2024:
• 143,918 people were living with diagnosed HIV.
• 4,538 people received a new HIV diagnosis.
Source: CDPH Office of AIDS, California HIV Surveillance Report, 2024. <https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DOA/CDPH%20Document%20Library/California-HIV-Surveillance-Report-2024.pdf>
Sonoma County (2024 data)
The California Department of Public Health reports the following for Sonoma County in 2024:
• 1,519 people were living with diagnosed HIV.
• 39 people received a new HIV diagnosis.
Source: CDPH Office of AIDS, California HIV Surveillance Report, 2024 (county table).
Prior Board Actions:
Most recently, on November 4, 2025 the Board adopted a resolution proclaiming December 1, 2025 as World AIDS Day in Sonoma County.
Fiscal Summary
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
None
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
None
Attachments:
Attachment 1 - Resolution
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None