December 1: World AIDS Day is here

 

When it comes to marketing the commemoration of one of the most critical and dangerous diseases humanity has seen, the World AIDS Day, observed annually on December 1st is definitely a job well done. Still, it appears to have escaped the notice of one or two self-important folks, or rather, they are deliberately sitting it out. While some in the media are making a big deal out of it, all I can say is, great, not just good, riddance! Some people make everything better by their absence. Now, onward. 

AIDS, a consequence of the treacherous and yet-to-be-beaten HIV virus, remains one of our biggest threats. Yet, with PREP, and post-exposure medication, awareness campaigns, condoms, and more, the promise for curtailment is within reach. 

COVID-19 and the mRNA Vaccines: The pandemic hit us in many terrible ways, causing much disease, death, and strife all around. Also, it exposed baser human stupidity. Yet, along with a well-deserved Nobel Prize, it also led to the rapid, successful development of the mRNA vaccine, which shows much promise for the future! This includes the race to develop an mRNA HIV vaccine. While success is not guaranteed, Phase 1 trials have shown some promise. Look to the reference section to read an interesting article summarizing the current state of research in vaccine development. 

So, brief as this post is, it is a reminder to keep talking about the HIV virus, AIDS and the various prevention mechanisms available. Keep supporting AIDS causes wherever and whenever you can. Practice and advocate for safe sexual practices, blood transfusions and against needle sharing whenever and wherever you can. 

Together, we can vanquish AIDS! 

References:

1. Cover Image: https://files.hiv.gov/s3fs-public/2024-11/World-AIDS-Day-2024-Logo.png

2. Article on status of HIV Vaccine research: https://www.iavi.org/press-release/two-hiv-vaccine-trials-show-proof-of-concept-for-pathway-to-broadly-neutralizing-antibodies/