Your "Local Sunday Newspaper" Seven Days a Week!

Your Health

Promising Advances In HIV/AIDS

Posted: 7/6/2011

Vaccines cut disease rates dramatically over time

(NAPSI)—As the world approaches 30 years since the first reported AIDS case, people are commemorating the many achievements that have been made in controlling the spread of the disease. New advances in HIV/AIDS prevention research also add hope, on this HIV Vaccine Awareness Day, in the ability to end the epidemic.

Researchers are following up on a clinical trial conducted in Thailand that demonstrated for the first time that an experimental HIV vaccine could protect some people from HIV infection. Further research could lead to the creation of other, even more effective vaccine candidates. In 2010, scientists reported that HIV-fighting drugs tested in preventive strategies known as microbicides and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) helped reduce new infections. None of these advances would have been possible without the dedication and commitment of the thousands of study volunteers who participated in these and other trials.

“This is an exciting time for HIV prevention research,” said Jeffrey Crowley, director of the Office of National AIDS Policy and senior advisor on disability policy at the White House. “If we want to put a stop to this devastating disease, we must find a safe and effective HIV vaccine. Our nation’s continued investment in developing a vaccine and other prevention strategies is essential to ending this epidemic.”

HIV/AIDS still devastates communities around the globe and in the United States, where the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 56,300 Americans become newly infected with HIV every year. That’s one newly infected person every 9? minutes. More than 1 million people are living with HIV in the U.S.

While treatments have helped millions of individuals live fuller, longer and healthier lives, it would be better for people not to become infected in the first place. Historically, vaccines have been the most powerful weapon against many infectious diseases, including polio, measles and hepatitis B, which have been practically eradicated in many countries where vaccines are administered.

The development of lifesaving medicines and vaccines can take decades and require not only the diligence and ingenuity of scientists and researchers but also the assistance of communities and individuals from all walks of life who volunteer to be in clinical trials or support those who do. Their continued generosity and commitment will help the world one day be free of HIV. To learn more about HIV vaccine research, visit www.bethegeneration.nih.gov.
__________________________________________________________

About HIV Vaccine Studies:

• The safety of volunteers is a top priority.

• HIV vaccine candidates do not contain the HIV virus, so they cannot infect trial volunteers.

• Trials are closely monitored for safety.

The Mercury | Copyright Notice
The Mercury | Paul V. Scholl, Publisher
7405 Greenback Lane, #129 | Citrus Heights, CA 95610-5603 | Telephone: 916-773-1111 | Fax Line 916-773-2999
Email: publisher@PlacerMercury.com | Site Designed and Hosted by TheSiteBarn.com
ISSN#: 1948-1934

View PDF files of Back Issues