Title
Recognizing April 10, 2025 as National Youth HIV and AIDS Awareness Day in the City of Philadelphia.
Body
WHEREAS, National Youth HIV and AIDS Awareness Day (NYHAAD) is observed annually on April 10 to educate the public about the effect of HIV on young people and urge the public and policymakers to take action regarding the impact of HIV and AIDS on young people; and
WHEREAS, Advocates for Youth, an international advocacy organization that works alongside thousands of young people to fight for sexual health, rights, and justice, spearheaded the campaign for the first National Youth HIV and AIDS Awareness Day in 2013. Advocates for Youth works with communities to ensure that young people have the tools to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, educates the public about the impact of HIV on young people and highlighting HIV prevention, care campaigns, and treatment; and
WHEREAS, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a chronic virus that attacks the cells that help the body fight infection, which ultimately makes an individual more vulnerable to other diseases and infections. HIV can be effectively managed with antiretroviral therapy which helps to improve immune function, reduces HIV viral load in the blood, reduces the risk of transmitting HIV to others, and prevents the development of AIDS and related complications. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the most advanced and last stage of the HIV infection which often occurs when the body’s immune system is damaged beyond repair due to the toll that the virus has had on the body; and
WHEREAS, The current cultural paradigm in which we live in often stigmatizes youth and youth sexual development instead of recognizing sexuality as healthy and normal and embracing the youth. Disparities in sexual health and wellbeing are fueled by poverty, ageism, racism, homophobia, transphobia, and sexism; and
WHEREAS, LGBTQ+, Black, and Brown young adults in Philadelphia, particularly bisexual and gay men, face a higher risk of HIV infection compared to their heterosexual peers, due in some part to disparities in healthcare access. The journey for Philadelphia’s youth living with HIV/AIDS involves navigating complex psychosocial challenges, including housing, basic needs, stigma, mental health, and social support, alongside accessing medication, medical care, and resources for education and navigating systems like welfare and insurance; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia is home to a wide variety of organizations working on HIV prevention, particularly for young people, LGBTQ+ people, and Black and Brown communities. These include but not limited to The Attic Youth Center, Philadelphia FIGHT, Bebashi-Transition to Hope, Galaei, The Haven Youth Center, The Mazzoni Center, Siloam, Colours Organization, Calcutta House, Prevention Point Program, and the William Way LGBT Community Center, who impact, educate, serve, support, and nurture the diverse youth leaders to partner with them and their adult allies to boldly advocate for changes in the political and cultural environment to better improve youth sexual health; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby declares April 10, 2025 as National Youth HIV and AIDS Awareness Day.
End