Wednesday, December 5, 2007
AIDS Vaccine
What is happening with the AIDS vaccine? There have been over 38 million people infected with HIV worldwide in the last 26 years and yet there hasn’t been an HIV vaccine created. Recently, yet another AIDS vaccine study was stopped when it was discovered that in was not effective in preventing HIV infection. There were actually more people infected with HIV in the vaccine study compared to those who were not in the vaccine study. The virus mutates (changes shape) so quickly that it has been difficult to find the right vaccine. Despite this latest setback, scientists are still working on the development of an AIDS vaccine, however one wonders how much longer do we have to wait? What do you think about all of this?
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It is also worth noting that Stephen Harper lied when he said the money he was using to partner with the Gates founation to develop a vaccine. He actually is usuing money that was suppose to go to ASOs that are working with people living with HIV/AIDS in Canada. As a result Ontario community AIDS programs have been cut by 30%. We might see the same thing happening here in BC if we don't speak up and tell Harper to keep his word and find new money for the vaccine in his surplus budget.
Its great to try and develop a vaccine, but people living with HIV should not be paying the price.
I think their funding should be re-allocate towards things like education, prevention strategies, and providing those who have HIV with proper nutrtion and living conditions (the later two can drastically hault progression to AIDS).
I wonder how much is being spent each year on research costs, wages, equipment, compensation, facilitiy rentals, etc.
Decades have passed and there has been no successful vaccine. Is it not a charachteristic of insanity when one repeats the same action after continuously getting the same undesired outcome?
Why not increase funds at the front line, focus on widespread HIV and AIDS education and prevention, and improve the quality of life of those who are suffering with HIV.
I participated in the unsuccessful GP160 vaccine trial about 15yrs. ago. The virus' mutability is a serious challenge, but I think research should continue.
I think their funding money should be re-directed towards wide-spread HIV and AIDS education & prevention strategies, towards nutrition, housing, and basic living neccessities for those living with HIV.
I wonder what the costs are of research materials, wages, facility rentals, compensation, insurance/liabilities, etc, etc. Is the money spent worth the outcome of the attemp? Is it not a charachteristic of insanity when one repeats the same action after continuously receiving the same undersired result?
A vaccine for HIV is not something that already exists and is waiting to be found. What exists right now is large-scale suffering, marginalization, and misunderstanding of people living with HIV. We have the capability to address these issues. Stop funding initiatives based on fear, start funding initiatives based on global well-being and education.
Hi! MERCK announced the results of their Trials with their HIV vaccine: it actually increases vulnerability to HIV in recipients. Vancouver also participated. I thought it was a bad idea, at the time, to volunteer for the Trial. It's like having one version of a Flu vaccine, when Flu changes from year to year (each vaccine is just a guess, a to which Flu will be prevalent). HIV mutates also. This assumes, also, that vaccines are effective. They're not tested for safety. When Placebo comparisons are made with a vaccine, and the result is no difference, it must be questioned. Too much time and money is wasted on "tail chasing", and real science must be insisted upon by PWA's. Beleif isn't enough! Steve M.
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