A plan to reduce the number of HIV infections below the epidemic level for New York has been announced. Governor Andrew Cuomo detailed the plan on Sunday, June 29, which set an ambitious goal of putting an end to the epidemic by 2020. The intention is to enhance preventative measures and treatment in order to curb the steady rise in cases that has been present in New York since the early 1980’s.

“Thirty years ago, New York was the epicenter of the AIDS crisis. Today I am proud to announce that we are in a position to be the first state in the nation committed to ending this epidemic,” Cuomo said.

The plan is meant to work by increasing the availability of comprehensive health care aimed at lowering the rate of diagnosis and improving the quality of life for those who have been infected with the virus.

Lower rates of infection can be achieved through preventative drugs for high risk people and faster, more accurate testing to detect infection. These, along with other measures, such as making condoms more available and educating high risk groups, have already garnered a 40 percent reduction in the number of cases reported in New York.

The plan also focuses heavily on providing more access to treatment for those who are infected with HIV, especially those with lower incomes. The state has established bulk rebates with manufacturers of HIV drugs aimed at making the medication more affordable. The state also plans on making it easier to get tested, as well as altering the tracking system of HIV cases in order to provide more accurate follow up and make sure continued treatment is available.

Though the plan is considered “ambitious,” it has been given a great deal of support from advocates for patients with HIV. It is considered a realistic plan, largely because it is an expansion of efforts that have already served to lower the number of cases each year and increase the length and quality of life for the patients living with HIV.