Insight: AIDS science leaping ahead, but will the money follow?

[n2doc]

By Julie Steenhuysen
Posted 2012/09/06 at 7:01 am EDT

CHICAGO, Sep. 6, 2012 (Reuters) — Last year, the HIV/AIDS community got some startling news.

Lifesaving drugs known as antiretrovirals that have brought millions of AIDS sufferers back from the brink also dramatically cut the risk that they will transmit the virus to their loved ones - by as much as 96 percent.

The landmark study, known as the HIV Prevention Trials Network 052 trial, proved that AIDS treatment was also a powerful form of prevention. Science magazine dubbed it the 2011 Breakthrough of the Year.

The findings - along with studies on the preventive benefits of circumcision and treating high-risk individuals before they are exposed to HIV - have been heralded as weapons that could finally break the back of the AIDS epidemic.

"What was unthinkable just three years ago is now in sight: an AIDS-free generation and the end of this epidemic," Ambassador Mark Dybul, former U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator for President George W. Bush, said at the 2012 International AIDS Conference in July.

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http://www.newsdaily.com/stories/bre8850hy-us-aids-funding/

[William769]

1. Money plays a crucial part in the fight against HIV/AIDS

in prevention and treatment.

Sadly the money is not where it should be (speaking of my State only (Florida)), prevention is non exsistent and treatment is scarce for many. We still have over 3,000 people on a waiting list for the Ryan White program (thats Florida alone). Yes it has to do with our State officials, the Feds can are giving the money and at least in Florida's case, the State is squarndering it.

Being uninsured in the State of Florida with HIV/AIDS is life threatening.