By Larry Tate
December 17, 2007

People around the world marked December 1, the 20th World AIDS Day with vigils, concerts, educational seminars, and other events. This annual commemoration was begun in 1988 by the World Health Organization to increase awareness of the global crisis represented by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Mayors across the nation took part in events recognizing the day.

Around the world, an estimated 33.2 million persons are living with HIV; AIDS deaths in 2007 are estimated at 2.1 million. In the United States, though deaths have decreased as effective treatments (not cures) have become available, it is estimated that over a million people are infected, and revised estimates suggest that between 55,000 and 60,000 new infections occur every year – five percent higher than previous estimates. African-Americans and men who have sex with men are among the subgroups that continue to face high rates of HIV infection, while minority women have ever-increasing rates of infection. Nationally, African-American women are the fastest growing demographic group for new infections, accounting for 67 percent of new AIDS diagnoses among women, while African-Americans overall are ten times as likely to get HIV than their white counterparts and three times as likely as Latinos.

In the absence of a cure, prevention is central to controlling future infections. The mayors continue to urge Congress and the Administration to increase funding for domestic prevention and education efforts. In a Conference of Mayors press release, Conference President Trenton Mayor Douglas H. Palmer stated, “Mayors stand committed behind this year’s leadership theme on World AIDS Day, and as local leaders on the front lines of American cities, we must continue to demonstrate every action to fight this deadly disease that’s affecting our human population. But we can’t act alone. The federal and state government along with our business and community partners must work together to ensure that there is a multi-faceted approach to increasing education and prevention efforts and creating broader access to care and treatment globally.”

Officials from all levels of government issued proclamations or took part in events recognizing the day. Below are some highlights of the many mayoral activities commemorating World AIDS Day:

Washington (DC) – Mayor Adrian Fenty responded with alarm to a sweeping new study describing a “modern epidemic” in the city, which has the highest rate of HIV infections of any city in the country. According to a press release, Fenty “announced steps to reduce the number of children born with HIV, increase testing and earlier treatment for people before they get sick, and respond to the disproportionate impact on women and the African-American community.”

Los Angeles (CA) – Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa was among those launching an ambitious HIV prevention initiative with a goal of “One Million Tests by 2011.” Taking an HIV test during event, Mayor aims to set an example for one million Angelenos to get tested in the next three years.

Oakland (CA) – Mayor Ronald Dellums’ Get Screened Oakland initiative consisted of a week (November 24–December 2) of HIV/AIDS awareness and education activities including a W.O.R.L.D. Summit on Women and HIV and a World AIDS Day Benefit Concert. More information is on the city’s website http://www.getscreenedoakland.org

Louisville (KY) – At a “World AIDS Day Memorial and Celebration of Life” in Louisville, a representative of Mayor Jerry Abramson presented a proclamation declaring World AIDS Day in Louisville.

Durham (NC) – Mayor Bill Bell and Mayor Pro-Tem Cora Cole-McFadden participated in the annual AIDS Day event in Durham.

New York City (NY) – Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg presided at an AIDS Day event at Gracie Mansion. He noted that the city “has expanded voluntary HIV testing, introduced rapid testing, and strengthened HIV education in public schools as well as providing free HIV treatment to all who need it.”

Miami (FL) – Mayor Manny Diaz sponsored a World AIDS Day Candlelight Memorial and Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Phoenix (AZ) – Mayor Phil Gordon spoke at an AIDS Day event recognizing local leaders committed to AIDS awareness.

The Conference of Mayors Health Programs are in their 24th year of providing AIDS-related funding to local communities, this year offering grants nationwide for HIV prevention projects targeting high-risk women of color. The deadline for applications for $420,000 in prevention funding is February 25, 2008. The Request for Proposals can be downloaded from the Conference of Mayors website. For further information, contact Larry Tate, Manager of the Grants Program, at ltate@usmayors.org or 202-293-7330.