New York launches new plans to dramatically reduce new HIV infections

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio on World AIDS Day announced a comprehensive commitment to end the AIDS epidemic in the City through a number of new prevention and support programs.

According to the mayor, the plan draws on proven experience and science -- setting a goal of bringing new HIV infections down in New York City to achieve the statewide goal of no more than 750 per year by 2020.

"It's time to end the AIDS epidemic once and for all," said de Blasio. "I'm proud to partner with the Council to announce an unprecedented 23 million U.S. dollars more a year for prevention and health care, enabling nearly 200,000 people to receive services each year."

"We're committing to expanding vital HASA housing, nutrition, and transportation support to all who need it -- up to 7,300 more people a year -- because no New Yorker living with HIV or AIDS should have to choose between medicine and rent," he added.

In 2014, 2,718 New York City residents were newly diagnosed with HIV, a historical low representing a decrease of more than 35 percent from the 4,186 new HIV diagnoses in 2004.

The City's plan draws upon the recommendations of New York State's Ending the Epidemic Task Force report adopted earlier this year, and follows an initial 6.6 million dollars commitment for preventative medicine, training, and viral suppression funded by the Council.

The City is committing to enhancing HIV biomedical prevention and health care, as well as to expand housing, nutrition, and transportation assistance, to decrease HIV transmission while supporting the health and well-being of those with HIV or AIDS. Enditem