Gov. Cuomo has assembled a task force to reduce the number of AIDS cases. Photo credit: Getty Images
Gov. Andrew Cuomo wants AIDS cases in New York to continue to fall.
Cuomo announced the formation of a task force and advisory groups on Tuesday that will work to reduce the number of new HIV infections to 750 a year in the state by 2020.
“HIV/AIDS has plagued families across this State for too long, and together we are going to put an end to this epidemic,” Cuomo said. “This disease can impact people from all walks of life, and the sooner society realizes that, the sooner we can end the stigma that keeps too many people from getting tested and treated.”
The task force started meeting Tuesday, and has four additional meeting planned.
The governor’s three-point plan for ending the disease, which he outlined in June, is identifying undiagnosed AIDS patients and getting them access to health care, making sure people living with HIV continue to receive treatment to prevent transmission and providing and HIV suppressant called Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis to those at risk of contracting the virus.
According to the governor’s office, the New York has seen a 40 percent reduction in new HIV cases over the last 10 years.
