‘Getting to Zero’ Illinois HIV plan announced

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (KFVS) - Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and others have announced a five-year plan “Getting to Zero” to combat the HIV epidemic in the state.

“After taking steps to end the HIV epidemic during my first weeks in office, today I’m proud to say we have a five-year plan to get to zero in Illinois,” said Gov. JB Pritzker. “Through partnerships and a renewed focus on testing, treatment and prevention, we will save lives and stop HIV from impacting so many communities.”

The plan focuses on major shifts in six areas according to the state Department of Public Health:

Build HIV health care and public health workforce that uses new approaches and adapts to the evolving needs of people living with and vulnerable to HIV.
Increase access to health care services that support the use of PrEP for HIV treatment.
Improve health equity by using data and allocating resources to the communities that face the greatest disparities.
Increase efficiency through governmental coordination.
Provide services and care for linked, co-occurring conditions, including mental health and substance-use treatment, screening and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, and vaccination against diseases such as viral hepatitis and meningitis.
Measure progress through surveillance and other data at state, city and community levels.

“The goals that are set in this plan are high but so are our residents’ expectations,” said CDPH Commissioner Julie Morita, M.D. “Every person living with HIV in Chicago deserves access to high-quality care. Together with our partners, we will continue transforming HIV care and prevention.”

Public Health is providing almost $26 million to 62 agencies across Illinois to create and support sustainable HIV prevention and care programs that align with the plan.

You can read the plan at https://gtzillinois.hiv/the-plan/