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On World AIDS Day, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that, based on the most recent data from 2019, New York has `bent the curve` on the HIV epidemic, a primary goal of the `Ending the Epidemic` initiative. In recognition of World AIDS Day, Cuomo directed state landmarks to be lit red throughout the evening of Tuesday, Dec. 1. Shown here is the spire of One World Trade Center illuminated in red as seen from Brooklyn Bridge Park. (Photo by Kevin P. Coughlin / Office of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo)
On World AIDS Day, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that, based on the most recent data from 2019, New York has "bent the curve" on the HIV epidemic, a primary goal of the "Ending the Epidemic" initiative. In recognition of World AIDS Day, Cuomo directed state landmarks to be lit red throughout the evening of Tuesday, Dec. 1. Shown here is the spire of One World Trade Center illuminated in red as seen from Brooklyn Bridge Park. (Photo by Kevin P. Coughlin / Office of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo)

On World Aids Day, Cuomo announces New York has 'bent the curve' on HIV epidemic

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Wed, Dec 2nd 2020 01:30 pm

New data shows HIV incidence & diagnoses have fallen to record lows

State landmarks lit red in recognition of World AIDS Day

On Tuesday – World AIDS Day – Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that, based on the most recent data from 2019, New York has "bent the curve" on the HIV epidemic. That was a primary goal of the “Ending the Epidemic” initiative. According to the new data, the estimated number of new infections, or HIV incidence that occurred statewide in 2019, fell to an all-time low of 1,700 cases. HIV incidence has declined each year since the start of ETE, with a 38% decrease over that time frame. New confirmed HIV diagnoses in 2019 also reached an all-time low of 2,377 — a 4% drop from 2018 and a 31% drop since the start of ETE.

"Today is World AIDS Day and I know everyone has been consumed with the COVID pandemic, but we've also been consumed with ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic," Cuomo said. "We're releasing the 2019 data, which shows that HIV incidence and diagnoses have fallen to record lows in New York. The estimated number of new infections or HIV incidence that occurred statewide in 2019 fell to an all-time low. HIV incidence has declined each year since we started the ‘End the Epidemic’ campaign – 38% decrease over that timeframe – so that is extraordinarily good news and we're going to continue to work on that. Now more than ever, with states facing steep deficits as a result of COVID, the federal government must provide funding so we can continue supporting the lifesaving work of HIV/AIDS service providers."

In addition to the tremendous progress illustrated by this new data, the governor also announced a number of other steps the state has taken to bolster the state's progress in fighting to “End the Epidemic.” First, New York will provide more than $100 million in Medicaid Redesign savings directly to 340B providers in the upcoming year to mitigate changes in reimbursement and ensure continuation of critical services. The state is working directly with stakeholders and providers to establish how this funding will be allocated.

The State Department of Health has also approved two new second-tier syringe exchange programs, specifically those run by the Addiction Center of Broome County and Hudson Valley Community Services. These programs will complement the state's other two syringe access initiatives – traditional syringe exchange and the expanded syringe access program – by allowing approved not-for-profit organizations and government agencies to provide patients and clients with sterile injection equipment without a prescription.

In addition to HIV incidences and diagnoses falling to record lows, the new 2019 data shows 83% of newly diagnosed New Yorkers were connected with care within 30 days of being diagnosed, and viral suppression among people in care was at 89% at the end of 2019. Thanks to the state's extensive work with providers and other stakeholders to raise awareness of available medication to safely and effectively prevent transmission of HIV, the new data also shows nearly 40,000 New Yorkers took PrEP — an increase of almost 25% from 2018.

This new data will be publicly released during the state's fifth annual "ETE Summit," held in conjunction with World AIDS Day (Dec. 1-3). This year's theme is "2020 and Beyond: Access. Equity. Sustainability." A premier ETE event in the state, this year's summit is virtual. It is showcasing the work being done by providers and communities across the state focused on ETE as well as an update on the latest ETE metrics. More than 1,000 people have registered for the summit.

New York Health Commissioner Dr. Howard A. Zucker said, "The progress we've outlined today is a true testament to the hard work and leadership of this state and this community. Under the leadership of Gov. Cuomo, we have 'bent the curve" on the epidemic. We have not only reduced incidence and new diagnoses, but also improved the health of those living with HIV/AIDS. We must continue these efforts, so the progress we have made throughout ETE is made permanent."

Alphonso David, president of the Human Rights Campaign, said, "Since he was elected, Gov. Andrew Cuomo has been steadfast in his commitment to reducing HIV transmissions and ending the AIDS epidemic in New York. Now, due in large part to his administration's ambitious goals and dedication, new transmissions in the Empire State have fallen to a record low. This year, the world has watched Gov. Cuomo lead New York through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and it is clear that his work on ending the HIV and AIDS epidemic will also serve as a model for other states moving forward. We applaud his commitment to ending this epidemic, and look forward to continuing our work with him in the future."

Glennda Testone, executive director of NYC's LGBT Community Center, said, "Today, we pause to remember all those we have lost, we celebrate long-term survivors, and we remain committed to working towards a future that is free of HIV and AIDS. In a year when we have all faced fear, sorrow and uncertainty, we are keenly reminded of the importance of breaking down barriers to effective, equitable health care and support. The center is proud to support our community and to work alongside strong statewide advocates for prevention, treatment, and education – together, we can end the epidemic."

Floyd Rumohr, CEO, Brooklyn Community Pride Center, said, "We are deeply grateful for the governor's commitment to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic and are looking forward to continuing to work together to accomplish this goal. Our site in Bed-Stuy and new headquarters in Crown Heights to open early in 2021 are both located in neighborhoods with NYC's highest new infection rates. With the governor's help and that of our incredible community partners like OASIS Wellness Center's HIV Testing, CAMBA's Young Men's Health Project, and NYU/Langone Family Health Center, we hope to eliminate the new infection rate once and for all."

Alexander Roque, president and executive director, Ali Forney Center, said, "The Ali Forney Center applauds Gov. Cuomo's work to make New York state a leader in the response to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The commitment from the governor through our state's service agencies, and overall the prioritization of this issue, has significantly impacted the course of HIV in our state and among our most vulnerable populations, like homeless LGBTQ youth. We honor World AIDS Day by moving our work forward in partnership with the state of New York's Department of Health critical initiatives to support communities throughout the great state of New York."

Bryan Ball, president, Stonewall Democrats of Western New York, said, "We commend Gov. Cuomo and Lt. Gov. Hochul on their unstoppable advocacy and commitment towards ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic in our state. The governor has made immense progress, especially in disproportionately affected communities, and helped bend the curve of this epidemic in ways that were previously almost unimaginable. We in Western New York deeply value the commitment the governor and lieutenant governor have shown to ending this epidemic once and for all."

The "Ending the Epidemic" initiative was launched in 2014 to significantly reduce HIV infections by the end of 2020 and achieve the first-ever decrease in HIV prevalence in New York.

"Ending the Epidemic" does not mean the absolute elimination of HIV/AIDS, which would require a cure for those currently living with HIV/AIDS and a vaccine to prevent future transmission, but rather what public health officials call "bending the curve" – which occurs when the annual number of estimated new HIV infections is lower than the number of people with HIV who die in a given year.

New York has invested $20 million annually since 2015 to support the work of the ETE initiative and has spent an estimated $2.2 billion annually to increase access to care and treatment for HIV.

Enhanced access to HIV testing has also been a key aspect of the ETE initiative. Since 2016, New York has offered in-home HIV testing through HIV home test giveaway campaigns. The HHTG provides a virtual platform for persons at risk for HIV transmission to access testing in ways that are compliant with COVID-19 prevention methods, including social distancing practices, and for community-based organizations to continue to support HIV prevention, testing and linkage to care during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. In April, the state launched a targeted HHTG to ensure the availability of HIV screening during the pandemic. On Nov. 16, the state launched the sixth traditional HHTG campaign. Since the start of HHTG, New York has given out more than 3,000 test kits to eligible participants, 30% of whom reported never having been tested for HIV.

 

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