New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo is taking the fight straight to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the state, announcing on May 15 a new legislation package aimed at reducing the number of new cases for the disease by 2020.
The package would bolster previous efforts made by the state in making New York the leader in providing quality treatment and care to HIV/AIDS patients in the country.
"New York State is leading by example in the fight against AIDS, and the initiatives in this legislation are key to building on the progress we have already made," said Cuomo.
He added that by enhancing availability of testings and removing whatever obstacles are in the way of people trying to receive treatment, the state has practiced a holistic strategy to end the epidemic. He vowed that New York will not rest until the disease is gone in its entirety.
What is this new legislative package that Cuomo proposed? It includes boosting the number of people who will be connected to and remain in care by enabling information sharing with care coordinators, managers and systems. Furthermore, there will be more widespread HIV testing, and the age limit for testing for HIV will be expanded beyond its current standard, which currently stands at 64 years old. Minors are also included in the new rules, as the state notes that those who have not come of age may receive HIV treatment and preventative care without parental consent and are able do so confidentially. Lastly, the legislation includes expanding STD testings and access to preventative care services.
The announcement was received favorably by at least two of New York's most prominent figures in the health sector. State Commissioner for Health Dr. Howard Zucker thanked Cuomo for the resources as more people are beginning to receive testing and treatment services, saying that they have made steps to properly address the HIV/AIDS epidemic in New York and eventually end it.
In a similar vein, Charles King, president and CEO of Ending the Epidemic Task Forced and Housing Works Inc., said the company is happy to see the governor making a greater effort to put an end to HIV/AIDS.
This new package represents the latest in Cuomo's crusade to reduce the number of HIV/AIDS cases in the state from 3,000 to 750 per year by 2020. This effort has reportedly seen some success already, reducing the amount of mother-to-child HIV transmissions to zero for over 17 months now.
