HIV / AIDS

HIV/AIDS is a life-threatening disease that attacks the body's immune system and leaves a person vulnerable to opportunistic infections. Because there is no cure, reducing the transmission of HIV while minimizing its effect on those living with HIV, is critical.

The Florida Department of Health has identified reducing transmission of HIV as one of its seven priority goals.

To achieve this goal, Florida has adopted a comprehensive strategic approach to prevent HIV transmission and strengthen patient care activities which will greatly reduce the risk of further transmission of HIV from those diagnosed and living with HIV.

Florida’s Plan to Eliminate HIV Transmission and Reduce HIV-related Deaths Four Key Components

1. Implement routine HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) screening in health care settings and priority testing in non-health care settings
2. Provide rapid access to treatment and ensure retention in care (Test and Treat)
3. Improve and promote access to antiretroviral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP)
4. Increase HIV awareness and community response through outreach, engagement, and messaging

 

As of 2015, Miami-Dade County ranks #1 in the United States for new HIV infections
per 100,000 residents. To address the epidemic, the Office of the Mayor of Miami-Dade County, the Miami-Dade HIV/AIDS Partnership, and the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County convened the Miami-Dade County HIV/AIDS "Getting to Zero" Task Force. This significant task force is comprised of a multitude of stakeholders in the community which includes but is not limited to: representatives from universities and academic institutions, private sector businesses, grantees, research and study organizations, People Living With HIV/AIDS, and a host of other interested and beneficial parties who share common goals.