User:Davidtaylor281

Title

Will We Get Better?

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A pandemic is an epidemic of infectious disease that spreads through human population across a large region; for instance a continent, or even worldwide. Through history, there had been quite a number of pandemics including smallpox and tuberculosis while the more recent pandemics include HIV and the 2009 flu pandemics. Among the several pandemics that have coursed through humankind perhaps one of the most destructive would be the HIV/AIDS pandemic. As of January 2006, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the World Health Organization (WHO) estimate that AIDS has killed more than 25 million people since it was first recognized on December 1, 1981.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), a condition in humans wherein a failure in the immune system occurs and susceptibility to opportunistic infections is most common, is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). This disease has made such an impact on humanity that various efforts to promote awareness and raise funds for research have been made extensively.

As of today we can say that these efforts have paid off very well. Professionals have been able to come up with various methods of detecting the virus in the body. Among these methods that have been significant in early diagnosis of HIV/AIDS are (1) Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits which is often used to detect HIV antibodies, but it requires complex equipment, (2) Newer rapid screening tests that are being increasingly used to detect antibodies because they are quicker and simpler than ELISA, can be done more in almost any setting, and provide immediate results, and (3) Western blot which is usually done to confirm the diagnosis when screening test results are positive. It is more difficult to do than screening tests but is more accurate. Treatment for HIV has also been discovered so that progression of the virus in the body is slowed down. These advancements allow the patients to practically continue living normal, active, and productive lives. However, illnesses secondary to infections, side effects of drugs, and expense may lessen their quality of life.

Perhaps more research must be done to take the earlier advancements further. Elisa kits, for instance, still requires complex equipment to effectively detect HIV antibodies. As with other diagnostic methods and treatment options, we should continue to provide more for patients and their families and continue to provide access to treatment for more patients worldwide. We all agree that information is a good way to avoid the occurrence of such diseases but a firm implementation is better. And so with this, we commend all those who have put down efforts to increase awareness, those who have helped fund many research activities, and those who are directly involved with research for you have all shined hope upon our brothers and sisters who have, for a long time, struggled with their medical condition. Developments are coming in at a fast pace and so we can also hope that in the days to come we might be able to turn the tide on HIV/AIDS.

References

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