An AIDS Warrior

Dr. Demetre Daskalakis is a warrior in my eyes and the eyes of many others. His dedication and commitment to ending the AIDS epidemic is inspiring to all.

Dr. Demetre Daskalakis spreading the message that U=U

As Deputy Commissioner for Disease Control at the NYC Department of Health, Dr. Demetre is dedicated to spreading the news that “undetectable=untransmissable” commonly referred to as “U=U." This means that people with undetectable virus loads who take medication do not transmit HIV sexually. Spreading this news changes the way people talk and think about the disease by changing the stigma and creating hope in the AIDS community.

Committed to continuing that hope, Dr. Demetre is involved in efforts to end the HIV epidemic in New York State by 2020. This effort involves the team commitment of the government, health agencies, activists, doctors, researchers, service providers and the community. By accomplishing this, the model can be applied globally.

Dr. Demetre approaches individuals and groups affected by the epidemic in a way that is non-threatening and never judgemental, creating a trust that cannot be broken. His innovative thinking allows for him to connect with men who have sex with men about HIV and STD screening, treatment or other concerns, while providing outreach to men who have not yet identified as gay or bisexual.

Follow Dr. Demetre on Twitter @DrDemetre

To donate to the cause, you can purchase “AIDS: A Matter of Urgency”, all proceeds are donated to Trillium Health’s Fund to End the Epidemic by 2020. To learn more about ending the epidemic visit http://www.drbillvalenti.com/cause.