Scientists from the US have recently discovered an antibody from an HIV-positive person which has been successful in neutralizing almost 98 percent of HIV isolates that has been tested, which includes the lion's share of strains resistant to other antibodies of the same class in their study. And with regards to the month long celebration of World Aids Day this December, the World Health Organization (WHO) has also issued new set of guidelines on HIV self-testing to help with the diagnosis of the deadly disease.
The New HIV Guidelines, What Does It Mean?
According to The Indian Express, this initiative led by the UN health organization allegedly aims to help millions of people to be aware of their HIV status and as much as possible, get the necessary treatment. In the latest WHO progress report, it has shown that the lack of an HIV diagnosis appears to be a major obstacle to implementing the Organization's recommendation that everyone with HIV should be offered antiretroviral therapy (ART).
In one of his statements, WHO Director-General Margaret Chan has revealed that millions of people with HIV are still missing out on life-saving treatment, which can also prevent HIV transmission to others. Chan has even added that HIV self-testing should supposedly pave the way for many more people to know their HIV status and find out how to get the right treatment and have the access to prevention services.
Furthermore, UN News Centre has reported that more than 18 million people with HIV are currently taking ART, however, a similar number of people is still unable to have an access to treatment. It was found that the majority of which are unaware of their HIV positive status. Today, 40 per cent of all people with HIV (over 14 million) remain unaware of their status.
Ultimately, authorities have revealed that the new WHO guidelines recommend ways to help HIV positive people notify their partners about their status, and also encourage them to get tested. Additionally, during the celebration of this year's World AIDS Day, it was found that it has coincided with the launch of the hands up for #HIVprevention campaign, which, in turn, explores the different aspects of HIV prevention and how they can be linked to specific groups of people, such as adolescent girls and young women, as well as key populations and people living with HIV.
