Leticia Miranda

Scientists Are a Little Closer to An HIV Vaccine

A recent article in the LA Times is reporting that scientists have discovered two antibodies in the body that can keep HIV from multiplying into a severe infection.

The news comes just months after a report found that 3 percent of people were living with HIV/Aids in Washington DC, calling it a severe epidemic. Out of that 3 percent, more than 76 percent are Black, 70 percent are men and 70 percent are age 40 and older.

From the article at LA Times:

Crucial to the discovery is the fact that the antibodies target a portion of HIV that researchers had not considered in their search for a vaccine. Moreover, the target is a relatively stable portion of the virus that does not participate in the extensive mutations that have made HIV able to escape from antiviral drugs and previous experimental vaccines.

While this is a great scientific discovery, the barriers to accessing this kind of info and getting the services needed to combat HIV/Aids in communities of color are still significant. Let’s not forget that CA’s governator cut millions from HIV/Aids programs causing many mostly low-income people who relied on those services to look for dwindling alternatives and not to mention the number of employees (frequently former street workers living with HIV/Aids) who are now looking for new work.

Scientific discoveries for a “cure” to HIV/Aids only means so much if we don’t have the proper resources to make sure that people living with HIV have access to proper services and support.

Posted at 2:11 PM, Sep 04, 2009 in Health | Permalink | View Comments