AIDS Awareness

According to the Center for Disease Control, approximately 50,000 Americans become infected with HIV each year and more than 16,000 people die annually in the U.S.

 

The HIV/AIDS epidemic has ravaged our country and global community for nearly 30 years. Over time, research, funding and advances in technology have enabled great progress in the treatment and understanding of HIV and AIDS. However, despite the improvements, the epidemic continues to spread at an alarming rate.

 

In recognition of World AIDS Day, we urge our fellow Americans to overcome their complacency for this fatal disease. In tune with the amazing accomplishments in research and progress in solving the HIV/AIDS epidemic, many Americans no longer believe that HIV and AIDS present a serious health risk.

 

No available cure exists for the estimated 1,178, 350 American adults and adolescents living with HIV. Over time, however, the FDA has approved medications and drug regimens that effectively reduce the HIV virus, prevent it from duplicating and boost weakened immune systems.

 

Unfortunately, these successful, life-saving treatments come with an incredibly high price tag. Even with recent pharmaceutical negotiations, HIV/AIDS regimens cost several hundred dollars a year. This pricing is prohibitive, rendering many Americans without essential treatment.

 

In order to address the high cost of HIV/AIDS treatments, an effort could be placed in researching and studying the efficacy of integrative, natural therapies on treating the disease. While many alternative practitioners tout the antiviral benefits of Aloe Vera, Echinacea and Gingko, more information is needed. Many HIV-positive patients look to herbal treatments, healing touch therapies and acupuncture in conjunction with Western medicine.

 

The Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act has funded various studies on Chinese Medicine in the treatment of HIV/AIDS and supports access to complementary and alternative therapies. We applaud this and hope that CARE, other legislation and health organizations continue to fund, research and explore the benefits of complementary and alternative medicine.

 

 

For more from the CDC, please check here.

 

Please click here for more on the Ryan White CARE Act.

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