IS A CURE FOR HIV TO PREVAIL IN SOUTH AFRICA?

HIV/AIDS has been a topic in South Africa for many years now and though we have been slowly making progress, we are not as far up in terms of progression as other countries. When the AntiRetroViral (ARV) drug was first introduced in South Africa, it seemed like the answer to our HIV/AIDS crisis; but its long-term side effects are still as controversial as ever. Following the announcement made by our Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi on Tuesday, 23 October 2012 – He said it was indeed the country’s greatest day because of the discovery made by our scientists. The country’s research team has once again conducted a study that has placed the country a step closer to controlling the HIV situation. A team of scientists at the Centre for the Aids Programme of Research in SA discovered that the immune systems of two women living with HIV were able to produce antibodies capable of neutralising and killing 88% of the virus. "Our scientists have also in the past helped us understand the mother-to-child transmission of the virus. Their ground breaking work brings us closer to developing an HIV vaccine," said Motsoaledi. I believe that this study has given hope to the country and a chance to take charge of our HIV pandemic. The main question is - how long will it take before this study is made practical in S.A? I pray that this is not a premature announcement or short-lived excitement because I just think of the greater things to come should the vaccine be a success. These are just my views as an individual, what are your views on the subject of HIV/AIDS and the announcement made by the Minister on Tuesday? Let’s interact on facebook, via twitter or blog comments.