
NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — In honor of World AIDS Day on December 1, Governor Kathy Hochul issued a proclamation Thursday and recommitted to ending the AIDS epidemic in the state by 2024.
Along with the proclamation, the New York State Department of Health also released its 2021 HIV/AIDS Annual Surveillance Report which showed progress being made to reduce HIV infections in New York as well continued efforts to provide equitable care for those living with the disease.
"While we've made significant progress to reduce HIV infections across New York, there is more work to be done to end the epidemic," Hochul said. "On World AIDS Day, we mourn those who we have lost, honor the New Yorkers fighting this disease, and recommit our efforts to ending this epidemic in our state once and for all."
In honor of World AIDS Day, Hochul also annoucned that several landmarks and bridges across the state will be lit red Thrusday night. These include:
One World Trade Center
Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
Kosciuszko Bridge
The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
State Education Building
Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
Empire State Plaza
State Fairgrounds - Main Gate & Expo Center
Niagara Falls
The "Franklin D. Roosevelt" Mid-Hudson Bridge
Grand Central Terminal - Pershing Square Viaduct
Albany International Airport Gateway
MTA LIRR - East End Gateway at Penn Station
Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
Moynihan Train Hall
The day is also being honored at the White House where a red ribbon was placed at the front in recognition. President Biden also released a video commemorating the day.

“We still have a hard road ahead, especially in addressing racial and gender gaps in our health systems, which have long driven inequitable HIV outcomes at home and abroad,” Biden said in a proclamation. “But as we today honor the 700,000 Americans and 40 million lives lost worldwide to AIDS-related illnesses over the years, we have new hope in our hearts. We finally have the scientific understanding, treatments, and tools to build an AIDS-free future where everyone — no matter who they are, where they come from, or whom they love — can get the care and respect they deserve.”