Latest News
Work Advances on Potential HIV/AIDS Vaccine
For over twenty years, scientists and doctors have worked towards investigating the many attributes of the HIV virus, hoping to create a vaccine that can eradicate the immune system concern. While efforts have not yet produced such a vaccine, researchers from Philadelphia’s Thomas Jefferson University believe they may be close to obtaining a viable answer for the virus based on work performed on monkeys with Simian Immunodeficiency Virus, a disease similar to HIV in humans. With just two immunizations, the researchers observed considerable improvement in monkeys’ resistance to SIV.
Source: Scientists move closer to HIV vaccine (December 16, 2009)
Kenya Gets Major Funding Boost for HIV/AIDS from US
More than one million people currently residing in Kenya are affected by the HIV and AIDS viruses, a number which has seen a steady decline in recent years as local populations struggle to educate themselves and their communities about the health concerns and how to prevent their transmission. Hoping to help establish more effective programs for the prevention and treatment of HIV and AIDS in Kenya, the US has committed to a considerable $2.7 billion grant for the country’s HIV-related organizations and health efforts.
Source: United States Pledges $2.7 Billion for Kenya HIV Battle (December 16, 2009)
Baltimore Group Sends Funds to Help HIV Prevention in Kenya
One of the greatest tools in the fight against the HIV virus is also one of the most simple and least expensive; condoms, though they may seem unassuming in comparison to the pricey drug cocktails used to help extend the lives of those living with HIV, can serve as a first line of defense against transmission. Yet in places hard-hit by HIV, such as Kenya, contraceptive use is fairly rare –an issue which a Baltimore global public health organization is aiming to change with a $22.9 million investment to promote reproductive health in the African nation.
Source: Baltimore-based health organization to improve contraceptive use in Kenya (December 15, 2009)