Newswise — Rutgers School of Public Health dean, Perry N. Halkitis and associate professor of epidemiology, Henry F. Raymond, have joined New Jersey’s new “End AIDS Epidemic Committee.” The Committee, which was convened by Governor Phil Murphy, is one of several measures being taken by New Jersey to curtail new HIV infections and improve the health of those living with the virus.
In December, New Jersey became the ninth state to join the international Prevention Access Campaign, also known as Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U), a health equity initiative that seeks to end the dual epidemics of HIV and HIV-related stigma by empowering people with and vulnerable to HIV with accurate and meaningful information about their social, sexual, and reproductive health. The State’s membership to U=U was announced at the Rutgers School of Public Health’s Annual World AIDS Day Conference in addition to their partnership with the School.
Halkitis’ and Raymond’s participation on the AIDS Committee further solidifies the State’s commitment to partner with interdisciplinary researchers, activists, and educators end the complex disease.
“I am thrilled to partner with the State and other committed individuals to end HIV and AIDS in New Jersey,” comments Halkitis. “Beyond addressing the biological component of the virus with pharmaceutical advances, we must also address the social stigma present around the disease and individuals living with it. As a committee of interdisciplinary individuals, I have no doubt that we will be able to address the virus from all angles.”
"Rutgers School of Public Health is honored to participate in the New Jersey HIV Elimination Initiative announced by Governor Murphy last World AIDS Day,” says Raymond. “Our expertise in HIV epidemiology will provide a data-based approach to priorities and programs needed to end new HIV infections in the State."
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