Focus on prevention of HIV and AIDS

Despite major advances in technology and access to anti-retroviral medications for those affected with HIV / AIDS, only short-term gains will be made if the underlying causes of the epidemic’s growth are not addressed. 

This is according to Finola Finnan, Trócaire’s programme leader for HIV, speaking on the occasion of the 18th International Aids Conference in Vienna this week (starting on July 18).

“The extensive stigma and discrimination associated with HIV and AIDS, and the silence and denial at all levels of society, are hampering attempts to stop the spread of the disease,” she said.  “Unless we make our societies more open and caring and less judgmental, we will not make the headway we need.”

Trócaire is showcasing its project in HIV education in Africa at the event.  The educational project involves a series of films it developed in collaboration with award-winning  organisation, No Strings, that uses the talents of some of the key pioneers of The Muppet Show, Sesame Street and Fraggle Rock.  The Kibing!, as the films are called, help children to reflect on some of the major challenges the world may put in their paths as they grow up, and which can put them at risk of becoming HIV positive. 

Trócaire has wider HIV programmes in Asia, Africa and Latin America and currently spends almost €3 million annually, supporting seven dedicated HIV programmes.

The 18th International Conference on AIDS with its theme Rights Here, Right Now involves  legislators, programme leaders, scientists, community operators, activists and HIV-positive persons discussing the latest developments in the field of HIV/AIDS.

During the five-day meeting, discussion is focusing on universal access to HIV prevention and treatment that has still to reach many countries.  Prevention of AIDS remains the principal challenge: for every two persons treated with antiretroviral (ARV) drugs, there are five new cases of contagion.

Researchers are focusing on progress made in new preventative technologies. 

The legislators are identifying ways to reduce the cost of antiretroviral treatment.  The cost-effectiveness of new treatment guidelines, published by the World Health Organisation, which recommend putting people on ARVs at a CD4 count (a measure of immune strength) of 350, up from a previous recommendation of 200, will be examined. 

Recent studies show that treatment with ARV has reduced the chances of HIV transmission considerably, and tuberculosis and other opportunistic diseases. 

One major mode of transmission of AIDS in Asia, Western Europe and Latin America is sharing needles and syringes, a highly dangerous habit of drug addicts.

by Ann Marie Foley