AIDS

This week we have discussed AIDS in Africa.  I have watched the videos relating to AIDS and read the articles.  One thing that jumped out at me was how much prevention would help reduce the large number of people infected with HIV each year.  While there is a plethora of information about AIDS, and it is an understood topic in the United States, I think there is still a lot of education about AIDS occurring in Africa.  I think with more awareness, prevention measures, and continued supply of resources that the number of people infected with HIV each year will decrease. 


One promising article I found was from the TIME website.  I like TIME because of the credible articles and photography.  The pictures that accompany the AIDS articles are very graphic and can be disturbing.  My first instinct was how they followed the trend of other pictures we discussed stereotypes of Africa, sick dying people.  However, I think AIDS is a serious issue and the pictures are very real.  


The article I found was entitled Daily Pill Shows Promise in HIV Prevention.  Two studies have showed promising results of HIV prevention.  In one study consisted of men and women from Botswana.  Half of the people were given a placebo and the other half were given the real pill. Looking at the number of people that became infected with HIV later it was determined the pill reduced the chance of infection by about 78%.  The other case showed similar success results in prevention and therefore, the placebo was no longer given.  It was determined to be unethical to withhold medicine that proved helpful.  While these studies along with others indicated very a high prevention rate, there have been studies that have showed differing results.  There are more studies going on to determine why there are differing results.  I think that even though some studies show the pill was not helpful in preventing HIV, we are well on the way to finding a pill that prevents HIV infection.  I think medicine that can be offered to help prevent HIV infection would be a huge success.