4 ms·

I do not in any way mean to disregard the suffering of those living with HIV, but let's face it: the HIV epidemic is getting under control. The virus was a deat

by gspr 5y ago

I do not in any way mean to disregard the suffering of those living with HIV, but let's face it: the HIV epidemic is getting under control. The virus was a death sentence for much of the 80s and 90s. Now (in developed countries) you can live a full life with it. I am not a virologist, but it is my impression that the experts see that virus, too, being beat down in the next couple of decades. So while the HIV epidemic hasn't ended, we're winning. And it is likely to end.

sidewndr46 5y ago
I feel like you're confusing society having a virus under control & an individuals treatment keeping an infection under control. With treatment, an individual can keep an HIV infection under control. Ultimately, you are still probably going to die of something HIV related. Earlier than you would have otherwise. It's expensive and not available to everyone. HIV itself is in no way under control. We have literally nothing other than testing people and trying to encourage those who are HIV positive to avoid behaviors that spread the disease. That's it. The only reason why it isn't any worse is because it already is so bad in some areas.
- nradov 5y ago
  We are getting HIV spread under control in some countries through the use of PrEP drugs in high risk populations. Those appear to be highly effective.
akiselev 5y ago
From [1]: > An estimated 1.7 million individuals worldwide acquired HIV in 2019, marking a 23% decline in new HIV infections since 2010.... > However, progress on the prevention of HIV transmission remains far too slow, with the estimated total number of new infections in 2019 more than three times higher than UNAIDS’s 2020 target. That's not "under control" or even remotely close to it, not even by UNAID's own goals. Needle exchange programs and general attitude shifts have certainly improved the situation in developed countries but cost, education, and logistical challenges with drug cocktails still hold back the rest of the world. [1] https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/overview/data-and-trends/global-statistics https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/overview/data-and-trends/glob...

by gspr 5y ago

sidewndr46 5y ago

I feel like you're confusing society having a virus under control & an individuals treatment keeping an infection under control. With treatment, an individual can keep an HIV infection under control. Ultimately, you are still probably going to die of something HIV related. Earlier than you would have otherwise. It's expensive and not available to everyone. HIV itself is in no way under control. We have literally nothing other than testing people and trying to encourage those who are HIV positive to avoid behaviors that spread the disease. That's it. The only reason why it isn't any worse is because it already is so bad in some areas.

nradov 5y ago
We are getting HIV spread under control in some countries through the use of PrEP drugs in high risk populations. Those appear to be highly effective.

akiselev 5y ago

From [1]: > An estimated 1.7 million individuals worldwide acquired HIV in 2019, marking a 23% decline in new HIV infections since 2010.... > However, progress on the prevention of HIV transmission remains far too slow, with the estimated total number of new infections in 2019 more than three times higher than UNAIDS’s 2020 target. That's not "under control" or even remotely close to it, not even by UNAID's own goals. Needle exchange programs and general attitude shifts have certainly improved the situation in developed countries but cost, education, and logistical challenges with drug cocktails still hold back the rest of the world. [1] https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/overview/data-and-trends/global-statistics https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/overview/data-and-trends/glob...