HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that targets the immune system.
Without timely diagnosis and treatment, HIV leads to the development of AIDS — a diagnosis that stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. During this stage, the immune system is seriously damaged, making the person more susceptible to opportunistic infections and some types of cancer.
A little bit of history
In 1981-1983, the first cases of the disease, the clinical picture of which did not correspond to previously known pathologies, were recorded in the USA among representatives of the gay community. Subsequently, the non-standard pathological state will become known as AIDS.
During these years, researchers Luc Montagnier and Françoise Barré-Sinoussi from the Pasteur Institute isolated a new retrovirus from an AIDS patient. They named it LAV — lymphadenopathy-associated virus.
In 1984, American researcher Robert Gallo identified the retrovirus HTLV-III as the probable cause of AIDS. During the research, a dispute arose between scientists, which resulted in international cooperation.
The name HIV we know appeared in 1986. It is what the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses called the mysterious virus, recognizing it as the cause of AIDS.
The research and progress of the following years look like this:
- In 1987, the first antiretroviral drug, AZT (zidovudine), was officially approved for the treatment of HIV/AIDS.
- A revolution in HIV treatment took place in 1996. It is when highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) was developed. The result of this treatment method exceeded the wildest expectations, significantly reducing the mortality rate of patients.
- In 2012, the global community endorsed the “Treatment as a Prevention” approach, promoting early patient treatment to prevent HIV transmission.
Current research is aimed at developing long-acting antiretroviral drugs and an HIV vaccine. Moreover, special attention is paid to addressing the social determinants of HIV.
Particular attention is paid to the educational mission and ensuring the availability of antiretroviral treatment. If patients require additional funds for comprehensive restoration of the body, FCLOANS can come to the rescue.
HIV: Statistics and forecasts
The 1980s-1990s were marked by a global HIV epidemic. Incidence rates and, as a result, mortality rates from the little-studied virus were rapidly growing around the world. Residents of African countries were particularly affected by the epidemic.
The introduction and widespread dissemination of antiretroviral therapy helped to stabilize the situation. In particular, at the beginning of the 21st century, mortality from HIV decreased significantly, and the virus was no longer considered exclusively lethal.
Global efforts are currently focused not only on preventing and treating patients with HIV/AIDS but also on raising public awareness. Only awareness among representatives of different generations will help reduce the intensity of infection and increase survival rates.
According to statistics, in 2022, the number of people living with HIV in the world averaged 39 million. Of course, diagnosis and treatment of the disease have become more accessible to the general population, but the fight against the insidious virus is far from over.
How to live with HIV?
Despite the best efforts by researchers, HIV cannot yet be fully cured. However, it can be successfully controlled with proper medical care, and you can live a long, happy life.
First, we are talking about prescribing antiretroviral therapy (ART). It helps reduce the viral load, maintain a healthy immune system, and reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others.
Secondly, we should consider such a socially important topic as stigmatization and discrimination of patients with HIV. People with this diagnosis often face negative attitudes and behavior towards themselves, dictated by stereotypes and erroneous beliefs.
Why does stigma occur? There are several reasons worth highlighting, namely:
- Fear and misinformation, misconceptions about HIV transmission;
- Association with marginalized groups.
Stigma can lead to social exclusion, discrimination in various aspects of life, and even barriers to accessing health care. Challenging HIV-related stereotypes is critical to creating supportive and inclusive environments.
Restoring the rights of HIV patients in society should be based on the following principles:
- Educational work. Credible information on HIV transmission, prevention, and treatment must be disseminated to dispel myths and reduce fear.
- Media campaigns. Such activities help raise public awareness and create positive perceptions of people living with HIV.
- Legal defense. It is important to popularize laws that protect patients with this high-profile disease from discrimination in various areas.
- Training health care providers to reduce bias and improve patient care.
Combating HIV stigma requires a multifaceted approach that includes education, legal advocacy, and community engagement. Creating an atmosphere of compassion, understanding, and support is essential for patients living with HIV and their family members.