In a press release, The Desert AIDS Project shared wonderful news that could dramatically affect the lives of millions who are infected with the HIV virus and, one day, ultimately put an end to the virus completely. At present, the results are encouraging.
A recent experimental vaccine, tested on monkeys with a form of the AIDS virus, which helped control their infection for more than a year, might eventually lead to a vaccine for humans.
Simply put, a vaccine “teaches” the immune system to recognize and defend against a virus—such as HIV—or a bacteria or other disease-causing agent. This study suggests the possibility that the immune systems of HIV-infected people may eventually be able to eliminate the virus from their body altogether.
DAP found the results of a a nine-nation, $73 million study funded by the US National Institutes of Health to be “more immediately significant,” as it found “HIV medications acted as a preventive measure against spreading the disease from an HIV-infected individual with a moderately healthy immune system to their uninfected partners in 96% of study participants.”
David Brinkman, CEO of Desert AIDS Project, shares some advice:
Recognizing the tremendous headway the world has collectively made in the treatment and care of those with HIV and AIDS since the epidemic began, the immediate battle has to be against the continued spread of HIV. We encourage everyone to be tested for HIV and act on the results, whether negative or positive. If you’re negative, continue to protect yourself and others. If you’re positive, you need to make an even greater effort to protect others while getting yourself into care right away.
June 5th will mark 30 years since the first cases of what we now call AIDS were publicly reported. … While DAP continues to applaud efforts to find an HIV vaccine through national and global research, we’ll continue locally to provide the best possible care to those who are ill while helping to decrease the likelihood of people in our community becoming infected with HIV.
To reiterate the message of The Desert AIDS Project who so adamantly spread the word, the fight is not over. Regardless of age, race, gender, or orientation, each and every sexually active person has the responsibility to themselves and their partners to be diligent in protection and proactive in testing.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to end the spread right here in Palm Springs? Let’s make HIV/AIDS the disease that was by supporting the Desert AIDS Project. Visit their website to learn more about how you can assist this dynamic organization.