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The Obama administration in July unveiled the first-ever coordinated national strategy to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic by reducing HIV infections and HIV-related health disparities, increasing care quality, and expanding access to services. The plan includes several notable goals and proposes that by 2015:
- the annual number of new HIV infections be reduced by 25 percent
- the HIV transmission rate be reduced by 30 percent
- the proportion of patients accessing care within three months of diagnosis increase from the current 65 percent to 85 percent
- the number of infected individuals aware of their HIV status increase from the current rate of 79 percent to 90 percent
The HIV Medicine Association (HIVMA) and the Ryan White Medical Providers Coalition (RWMPC) applauded the release of the strategy, calling it an important first step. Both emphasized the need for adequate resources and a robust implementation plan to ensure the strategy’s goals can be met. “We are excited about the launching of this long-awaited initiative, and look forward to partnering on its implementation to make the strategy's vision a reality,” HIVMA Chair Michael Saag, MD, FIDSA, said in a joint HIVMA/RWMPC statement. Implementing agencies are charged with developing detailed plans within 150 days. HIVMA is preparing an analysis of the initiative and will keep members informed as it is implemented.
Media coverage of the announcement included HIVMA/RWMPC’s response to the strategy, including articles in USA Today, the Los Angeles Times, and Bloomberg News.
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