The New York State Department of Health is holding its 10th annual Ending the Epidemic (ETE) Summit and the 27th World AIDS Day (WAD) events on December 9-10, 2025. The ETE Summit, organized by the Department’s AIDS Institute, brings together stakeholders from across New York to discuss progress and strategies in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
This year’s summit is themed “One Journey. One Community. One Mission to End Epidemics.” State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald stated, “This year’s theme is a powerful reminder of the strength of community as we come together in our shared journey to reach the common goal of ending epidemics. We’ve bent the curve, but there’s still work to do to eliminate health disparities and address intersecting epidemics of HIV, sexually transmitted infections, viral hepatitis and substance use.”
The event will include plenary speakers recognized at a national level, workshops, and updates from leaders at both state and local levels. Attendees will have opportunities for networking with healthcare providers, policymakers, community leaders, and people living with HIV/AIDS.
A new feature this year is an automated video booth where participants can record personal stories or messages about what World AIDS Day means to them. Selected videos will be shown during the event.
During the summit, updates on progress toward epidemic goals will be presented. This includes data from updated dashboards and surveillance reports for HIV, hepatitis C (HCV), and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
The Department emphasized its ongoing commitment to World AIDS Day observances despite recent changes at the federal level regarding recognition of this day.
According to state data, since launching its Ending the Epidemic initiative in 2014, New York has seen a 26 percent decrease in new HIV diagnoses due to coordinated efforts among community organizations and healthcare facilities.
The AIDS Institute continues its work aimed at eliminating transmission of HIV and improving health outcomes for those affected by HIV, HCV, STIs, individuals who use drugs, or those identifying as LGBTQ+.
Further information about these initiatives and resources for New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS are available on the Department’s website.
