February 21, 2022 – The Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County (DOH-Miami-Dade) recognizes “Ending the HIV Epidemic” (EHE), a national initiative that supports areas across the U.S which face high rates of new HIV cases. Miami-Dade County has one of the highest rates of HIV in the country. This initiative is led locally by DOH-Miami-Dade and the Miami-Dade Ryan White Part A Program, which will help to significantly reduce HIV rates across the county.
The pillars of EHE reflect the same strategies as Florida’s plan to eliminate HIV transmission and reduce HIV-related deaths.
Diagnose all people with HIV as early as possible after infection.
Treat the infection rapidly and effectively to achieve sustained viral suppression.
Protect people at risk for HIV using potent and proven prevention interventions, including PrEP, medication that can prevent HIV infections.
Respond rapidly to detect and respond to growing HIV clusters and prevent new HIV infections.
Miami-Dade County made a community investment to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Last year, resolution R-453-21 was approved declaring the third week in February as “Ending the HIV Epidemic in Miami-Dade County Awareness Week”. The goal of EHE is to reduce new HIV cases by 75% in 5 years, and by 90% in 10 years.
Early diagnosis can lead to appropriate treatment and care and individuals can live long and healthier lives. The Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County offers free resources available to the community such as in-home HIV testing kits, where individuals can order an in- home test kit and find out their HIV status in 20 minutes, as well as order condom packages to be delivered to their home. Learn about these and other resources on how we can work towards Ending the HIV Epidemic at www.TestMiami.org
About the Florida Department of Health
The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
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