【medical-news】世人关注HIV疫苗试验
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World focus on HIV vaccine trials
Published on: 2/12/07.
AS SOUTH AFRICA, a country with one of the highest rates of HIV/AIDS in the sub- Saharan region of Africa, prepares for a large-scale trial of an HIV vaccine, all the world will be watching for the results. The vaccine has been developed by Merck, a leading American drug company, and an international team of researchers, led by United States experts, will be overseeing the trials.
That South Africa will be the main focus of this study is a complete about-face for the country. For many years the authorities there had been reluctant to accept the efficacy of any pharmaceuticals in the treatment of the deadly disease, preferring to rely on home remedies. This early approach has been partly blamed for the rampant spread of the disease in South Africa where thousands were denied the benefits of early medicinal treatment because of this senseless policy.
The authorities have moved gradually away from this short-sighted approach towards dealing with the disease to the point where an estimated 3 000 HIV-negative men and women, who are sexually active, will be immunised in a four-year study.
The aim is to find how the vaccine will work on heterosexuals, especially women, who now have the highest numbers for HIV/AIDS in South Africa and other countries, in a world where it is estimated that 40 million people are living with the disease.
The vaccine has already had trials for safety and immunity response in North and South America, other African countries and Australia. Given this background, it is interesting why this emphasis has been placed on South Africa for the trials.
It is not as if South Africa has been driven to the point of desperation where it is now willing to try anything in its efforts to stem the spread of the deadly HIV virus. However, in almost one stroke the country now finds itself from being one where the treatment of HIV/AIDS patients was seen as being most backward, to a position where it could well be in the forefront of battling the disease. What is achieved in South Africa can help the whole world.
The world is waiting for an effective HIV vaccine as the level of HIV/AIDS continues to rise globally.
It is certain, however, that an effective vaccine will help remove the stigma and discrimination, since these attitudes are grounded in fear of a disease for which there is no cure, although it is now possible for HIV/AIDS patients to live productive lives when treated with antiretroviral medicines.
The experts have warned that producing a vaccine is no magic wand operation. The South Africa trials do not mean that a vaccine is just around the corner since there remains a complex process in getting there even if the South Africa trials prove successful.
For all that, what is about to take place in South Africa is being regarded as one of the most hopeful developments so far in fighting the spread of HIV/AIDS throughout the world.
http://www.nationnews.com/editorial/302848397053213.php
Published on: 2/12/07.
AS SOUTH AFRICA, a country with one of the highest rates of HIV/AIDS in the sub- Saharan region of Africa, prepares for a large-scale trial of an HIV vaccine, all the world will be watching for the results. The vaccine has been developed by Merck, a leading American drug company, and an international team of researchers, led by United States experts, will be overseeing the trials.
That South Africa will be the main focus of this study is a complete about-face for the country. For many years the authorities there had been reluctant to accept the efficacy of any pharmaceuticals in the treatment of the deadly disease, preferring to rely on home remedies. This early approach has been partly blamed for the rampant spread of the disease in South Africa where thousands were denied the benefits of early medicinal treatment because of this senseless policy.
The authorities have moved gradually away from this short-sighted approach towards dealing with the disease to the point where an estimated 3 000 HIV-negative men and women, who are sexually active, will be immunised in a four-year study.
The aim is to find how the vaccine will work on heterosexuals, especially women, who now have the highest numbers for HIV/AIDS in South Africa and other countries, in a world where it is estimated that 40 million people are living with the disease.
The vaccine has already had trials for safety and immunity response in North and South America, other African countries and Australia. Given this background, it is interesting why this emphasis has been placed on South Africa for the trials.
It is not as if South Africa has been driven to the point of desperation where it is now willing to try anything in its efforts to stem the spread of the deadly HIV virus. However, in almost one stroke the country now finds itself from being one where the treatment of HIV/AIDS patients was seen as being most backward, to a position where it could well be in the forefront of battling the disease. What is achieved in South Africa can help the whole world.
The world is waiting for an effective HIV vaccine as the level of HIV/AIDS continues to rise globally.
It is certain, however, that an effective vaccine will help remove the stigma and discrimination, since these attitudes are grounded in fear of a disease for which there is no cure, although it is now possible for HIV/AIDS patients to live productive lives when treated with antiretroviral medicines.
The experts have warned that producing a vaccine is no magic wand operation. The South Africa trials do not mean that a vaccine is just around the corner since there remains a complex process in getting there even if the South Africa trials prove successful.
For all that, what is about to take place in South Africa is being regarded as one of the most hopeful developments so far in fighting the spread of HIV/AIDS throughout the world.
http://www.nationnews.com/editorial/302848397053213.php
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