Blog Three: New HIV Test Suitable for Global Use.

Roche Laboratories in Pleasanton, California has announced a new HIV test. This test may prove to be beneficial in finally ended the HIV/AIDS epidemic. This test has a unique, dual target design that yields more reliable results effectively and confidently. It tests for two separate regions of the HIV genome 1, allowing more opportunity to detect positive HIV results and can be tested on both blood and plasma. Along with being able to detect HIV in multiple ways, this test is extremely convenient and portable. Using a collection card, the amount of blood to be stored or transported decreases, and even works on dried blood and samples don’t need to be refrigerated. The dual target HIV-1 drug test can show if an infant is HIV positive as early as 6 weeks old. 

Because this new test is so portable, it could be the turning point for managing AIDS across the globe, especially in Southern African countries where AIDS is most prominent. Because the collection cards are so small, they are practical for transportation in a Sub-Saharan African country. Also, samples do not require refrigeration, making them more manageable to transfer as there are few places in this region where refrigerators are present. By taking less blood in the samples, the sampling process is drastically improved for people being tested, especially children. 

The dual target HIV-1 test could really be valuable in the fight against AIDS. Finding out if a child is HIV positive at only 6 weeks allows for the appropriate care and support to be determined for the child early on, giving them their best chance at a good life. This test can be used in multiple settings and makes the testing process much easier as well, allowing it to be suitable for world-wide use.

http://www.pleasantonweekly.com/news/2014/02/18/roche-announces-launch-of-new-hiv-tests-suitable-for-world-wide-use

Blog 1: The Fight Against HIV/AIDS 2-7-14 1:53 PM

HIV/AIDS affects over 35 million people across the globe. The fight against AIDS has been going on for over 30 years, and we are now the closest we have ever been to getting this epidemic under control. More and more people are becoming aware and getting treatment for this disease. Ten years ago, only 300,000 people received treatment where 9.7 million people are receiving treatment today. For the first time ever, there are more people getting treatment than there are new infections, meaning we’ve reached the “tipping point” of this disease. We have caught up with AIDS and are beginning to see a downward curve. Sixty nine percent of people with HIV live in sub-Saharan Africa, and 16 of these countries are leading the global trend of decreasing numbers of people infected, having surpassed this “tipping point” and getting ahead of the curve. This is huge in relation to the fact that there is now hope for people with HIV to live a long, healthy life. In previous years, this disease was a death sentence.

Globally, the fight against HIV/AIDS is going strong and here in the United States, we are doing what we can to decrease number of infections as well. Today, February 7, 2014, is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Of the 50,000 Americans who are living with HIV, 69% of them are African Americans. Cities around the country are offering free testing for HIV as well as raising awareness in their communities to prevent the spread of this disease. Another way that spreading of HIV can be prevented is through an antiretroviral treatment called PrEP. This is given to people who are not infected and can reduce the risk of getting HIV by 90%.

We are finally beginning to win this fight against HIV/AIDS. Through prevention and treatment globally and locally, soon we will have this disease under control and people will no longer have to live in fear of this epidemic.

http://metro.co.uk/2014/02/05/have-we-reached-the-beginning-of-the-end-of-the-fight-against-hivaids-4291153/

http://www.lasentinel.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=12576:national-black-aids-awareness-day&catid=122:crenshaw-around&Itemid=261