RI aims to eliminate new AIDS cases by 2018

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island health officials are vowing to work to eliminate new AIDS infections in the state by 2018.

Health director Michael Fine announced the new awareness and prevention campaign on Monday, the day the state observed World AIDS Day.

Called 'Getting to Zero,' the campaign involves stepped-up efforts to encourage routine HIV testing and the use of condoms. As part of the campaign, the state plans to provide free condoms at nightclubs, community health centers and other locations.

The state says an estimated 2,200 Rhode Islanders are currently living with the disease, and that some 400 don't yet know they're infected.

There were some 78 new HIV cases in Rhode Island in 2012, down from 97 new cases in 2011.

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The Gayly - December 2, 2013 @ 6:00pm