Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) affects people of all nationalities, regardless of their income level or sexual orientation, making the virus a pressing world health issue. Because of this, researchers and experts from around the globe gather annually for the International AIDS Conference to discuss ways in which the number of diagnoses might be reduced.
This year, key messages from speakers stressed early diagnosis and treatment of AIDS and eliminating the stigma associated with the virus. Guy Choquet and José Maria di Bello, co-founders of the Red Cross Red Crescent Positive (RCRC+) network, attended the event, as well as nearly 80 staff and volunteers from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and more than 22,000 people from 177 countries around the globe.
RCRC+ performs outreach work and support for those with HIV. Choquet, executive director programs Western Zone at Canadian Red Cross, was diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in 1988. After disclosing his condition and sexual orientation to coworkers in Calgary in 1996, he remained with the Red Cross and in 2007, established RCRC+ with di Bello, a fellow HIV positive member of the Red Cross.
On the issue of early treatment for HIV/AIDS, representatives from the International Antiviral Society-USA reported that previous guidelines - which called for patients to wait until their immune system experienced significant decline before going on antiretroviral drugs - may have been misguided, as reported by the Los Angeles Time. Recent research has shown that these medications are much more effective at controlling viral load when used early on, compared to the effects of delayed treatment.
Furthermore, these new findings may have implications for maternal and child health, as the National Institutes of Health recommends antiretroviral treatment for pregnant HIV-positive women.
Also at the conference, speakers from the Global Network of People Living with HIV presented a brief which showed that the stigma associated with the virus can hinder the ability of an HIV-positive individual to gain employment.
The Canadian Red Cross works toward the goals of improving access to AIDS care in China, India and certain regions of Africa by lending critical support to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. In India and China, the Red Cross has lent support to community-based programs that help educate the public about this deadly virus, which may help to reduce the stigma surrounding it and promote HIV/AIDS testing. In China, the Canadian Red Cross' HIV/AIDS orphan program empowers communities by improving their capacity to provide vital aid to children left orphaned as a result of the condition.
To show you support for the lifesaving work of the Canadian Red Cross, and to help those in need affected by AIDS, please donate online or at your local Red Cross office today.