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World AIDS Vaccine Day: More than four decades, and still no vaccine?

Dr Spurti Kattimani

5 Min Read

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Overview

World AIDS Vaccine Day: It is also known as HIV vaccine awareness day. This day is observed on May 18 each year to bring awareness about the importance of preventive HIV vaccine research. An effective HIV vaccine will help end the HIV pandemic.

HIV Vaccine Awareness Day, 2023

May 18th marks a special day for HIV and AIDS advocates all over the world. This day is observed to bring awareness to the need for a vaccine to prevent AIDS and HIV infection.

Let’s face it: there is still no cure for HIV, and the only way to manage symptoms is by taking medication. It’s a sobering reality, which is why HIV Vaccine Awareness Day is crucial to advocating for a world without HIV.

On this day, we take a moment to thank the volunteers, healthcare professionals, scientists, community leaders, and other supporters who work tirelessly to find a safe and effective vaccine for HIV. Their efforts are essential in fighting this pandemic, and we cannot thank them enough.

But we cannot do it alone. The international community must also recognize the importance of investing in new technologies to fight HIV and AIDS. A comprehensive response is needed, and a vaccine could be a critical element of that response.

So, how can you help? You can start by educating yourself and those around you about HIV and AIDS. Learn about prevention methods such as using condoms, getting checked often, and taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

You could also support organizations that are working towards finding a vaccine. Every little bit counts and your contribution could help save lives. HIV Vaccine Awareness Day is not just about finding a vaccine; it’s about promoting hope for a world without HIV. So let’s join hands, spread awareness, and support those who are working towards a cure. Together, we can make a difference.

History of World AIDS Vaccine Day

Let us take a step back in time and explore the history of World AIDS Vaccine Day. The idea of this day was born in a commencement speech made by then-US President Bill Clinton on May 18, 1997, at Morgan State University. In his speech, Clinton challenged the world to aim high in the age of science and technology and develop an HIV AIDS vaccine within the next ten years.

He emphasized the importance of a preventive HIV vaccine that could limit and eventually eliminate the threat of AIDS. The first World AIDS Vaccine Day was celebrated on May 18, 1998, to honor the anniversary of Bill Clinton’s inspiring speech. Since then, it has become an annual event, and communities worldwide have come together to observe this day in various ways.

The main objective of World AIDS Vaccine Day is to raise awareness about the importance of finding a vaccine for AIDS and to educate communities about HIV prevention and research. The day aims to bring attention to the ways in which ordinary people can play a vital role in the global effort to stop the pandemic.

Communities around the globe organize different activities to mark this day. From educational campaigns to local fundraisers, public service announcements, and even international conferences, the events are diverse and varied. The goal is to promote AIDS vaccine research and development, increase HIV awareness, and advocate for improved access to HIV testing and treatment.

But…why is it so difficult to develop a vaccine for HIV?

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has been around for more than 30 years, and yet we still don’t have a vaccine. This begs the question: Why is it so difficult to develop a vaccine for HIV/ AIDS? Well, the answer lies in the virus itself. HIV is unlike any other virus we’ve encountered. It’s incredibly complex and has developed mechanisms to evade the immune system.

Following are some reasons why it’s so difficult to develop an HIV vaccine:

Immune system evasion

When we get infected with a virus like the flu or COVID-19, our body immediately recognizes it as a foreign invader and starts to fight it off. This is why we feel sick for a few days and then recover. Our body has built up antibodies that recognize and can fight off the virus if we ever get infected again.

But with HIV, it’s a different story. HIV is really sneaky and has figured out how to hide from our immune system. So, our body doesn’t even know that it’s there, and it can’t build up the antibodies that it needs to fight it off.

And to make matters worse, HIV specifically targets the immune cells that are responsible for fighting off infections. This means that over time, our immune system becomes weaker and weaker, making us more susceptible to other infections/illnesses.

So, even though HIV itself might not directly cause death, it weakens our immune system to the point where we’re unable to fight off other diseases. This is why it’s so important to find a vaccine for HIV so that we can protect ourselves and others from this deadly virus.

Furious genetic mutations

One of the other ways that HIV outsmarts our immune system is by constantly changing its appearance.

(i.e., they keep altering its protein structures that would normally be the target of antibodies, making it hard for antibodies to bind to and eliminate the HIV virus.)

Other viruses might do this too, but not as frequently or as aggressively as HIV. This makes it really hard to create a vaccine against HIV because our antibodies can’t keep up with all the changes.

HIV is like a moving target, making it really challenging for scientists to develop a vaccine that can successfully target and eliminate the virus.

Creation of viral reservoirs

So, imagine you have an army to defend your body from foreign invaders like viruses. T cells are like the soldiers in that army, and they are really important because they help your body recognize and fight off infections.

But when HIV gets into your body, it’s like a sneaky spy that hides inside your T cells, pretending to be one of them. So, your body can’t see that virus is there, and it doesn’t realize that it’s being attacked.

This is a big problem because when you take retroviral drugs to try to get rid of HIV, those drugs can’t always reach the virus that’s hiding inside your T cells. So even though retroviral drugs can destroy a lot of the HIV in your body, they can’t eliminate it completely. And if you stop taking the drugs, the virus that’s been hiding in your T cells will start to spread again, and your immune system will be weakened once more.

That’s why it’s so important to keep taking your medication if you have HIV. It can be really tough to remember to take pills every day, but it’s crucial for your health. And researchers are still working hard to find new ways to get rid of the virus once and for all.

Consult top doctors online for HIV

Are you looking for a reliable and convenient way to consult with top HIV specialists?

With MFine, you can easily search for and compare the profiles of numerous HIV specialists in your area and book appointments online for medical assistance.

Whether you need a routine check-up or require specialized treatment, our experienced and highly qualified doctors are here to help. With easy-to-use features and seamless connectivity, our MFine app makes it easier than ever to access high-quality medical care from the comfort of your own home.

Consult an HIV specialist now!

Conclusion

As we commemorate World AIDS Vaccine Day, we should reflect on the progress made in the fight against HIV/AIDS while acknowledging that the battle is not yet won. We should honor the memory of those who have lost their lives to the disease and show respect to those who are currently living with it. At the same time, we should recognize the strides made in research and treatment and pledge to sustain the efforts to eliminate HIV/AIDS altogether. By working together, we can have a positive impact on this destructive disease.

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Written by

Dr Spurti Kattimani

Dr Spurti is a Consultant Physician with 6+years of experience. She has previously worked at Bangalore Medical College and ESIC College and hospital. She also worked as a Pathology professor and Dermatology resident in previous hospitals. Currently, she is working as a Program Manager and Consultant at MFine.

World AIDS Vaccine Day: More than four decades, and still no vaccine?

Overview

HIV Vaccine Awareness Day, 2023

History of World AIDS Vaccine Day

But…why is it so difficult to develop a vaccine for HIV?

Immune system evasion

Furious genetic mutations

Creation of viral reservoirs

Consult top doctors online for HIV

Conclusion

Request a Call Back

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