Cuomo announced on May 15 new legislations to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the state. A representative from Cuomo’s office told Newsday that these proposals and others are still being considered. “We will not relent until this horrific disease is nothing but a distant memory”.
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The proposed legislation would allow HIV-related information to be shared with care coordinators and managers, allowing a better understanding of the epidemic, improving patient outcomes, and preventing new infections.
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker, who is the New York State Health Commissioner, praised Cuomo and said that the state has done well in addressing the AIDS epidemic. He is also President and CEO of Housing Works, Inc.
“Thanks to the leadership and resources provided by Governor Cuomo, our state is a national leader in the fight against AIDS”. Laboratory confirmation of HIV seropositivity also allows patients to avail of the PhilHealth Outpatient HIV/AIDS Treatment (OHAT) package, CNN Philippines reported. Currently, the test is only required to be offered to those 64 and younger.
“What they’re doing is good, is smart public health that was promoted and developed by a task force he convened”, said Jeremy Saunders, co-executive director of advocacy group VOCAL New York. Both ideas were part of the 44 major recommendations ultimately issued by the task force. More importantly, groups hoped for $50 million for housing rental assistance for HIV patients, including $17 million for those living outside New York City.
She cited a story of a 32 year-old male who worked as a waiter and assistant cook in the island of Boracay who died from HIV/AIDS because he failed to get an HIV test and receive the antiretroviral vaccine given by the DOH.
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Minors would have more access to HIV screenings without parental consent through the governor’s proposal and also give them access to the pre-exposure medication.
