World HIV Vaccine Day 2022: All About The Virus

On May 18, 1997, the then-US President, Bill Clinton delivered a speech at Morgan State University on spreading awareness regarding the importance of a vaccine to prevent HIV. He set a goal of developing a vaccine for AIDS in the next decade. He stated, "Only a truly effective, preventive HIV vaccine can limit and eventually eliminate the threat of AIDS." To commemorate the anniversary of his speech, the 18th of May is celebrated annually as World HIV Vaccine Day. It is the day to honor researchers and clinical study participants who play an important role in advancing HIV vaccine development. 

Picture Source: www.istockphoto.com

The Origin of The Spread of HIV

HIV is said to have come from a type of Chimpanzee in Central Africa. That virus was passed on to humans in the 1800s when they came in contact with their infected blood while trying to hunt these animals for meat. However, a newer study suggests that it actually originated from different monkey species, namely, the Red-Capped Mangabey and Greater Spot-Nosed Monkey.

Red-Capped Mangabey (L) and Greater Spot-Nosed Monkey (R) (Picture Source: www.istockphoto.com)

It then got transferred to Chimpanzees and formed a hybrid virus called SIV (Simian Immunodeficiency Virus). This SIV virus gave rise to HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) which is categorized into two main types: HIV 1 and HIV 2. 

HIV 1

HIV 1 is again categorized into four groups: M, N, O, and P. Out of the four groups, M stands for ‘Major’ and is the most common type of HIV accounting for 90% of the cases while type P is the rarest of all. HIV group O has spread in West Africa and has infected around 1,00,000 people. This virus is a result of cross-species transmission of western lowland Gorillas. Group N only exists in a small group of people in Cameroon. 

HIV 2

HIV 2 occurs mostly in West Africa and makes up just 0.01% of HIV cases worldwide. 

How HIV Spreads

HIV spreads through an infected person in the following ways:

1. Practicing unprotected vaginal, oral, or anal sex.

2. Sharing needles or syringes.

3. Through breast milk, semen, and other body fluids.

4. From mother to child during pregnancy, labor, and delivery as well as breastfeeding.

Is There a Vaccine for AIDS?

The National Institute of Health is using multiple approaches to prevent HIV infection. One of these approaches includes the development of a vaccine. Currently, scientists are working on the development of a vaccine for AIDS. The research includes two-stage clinical trials, namely, Imbokodo and Mosaico.  

How To Prevent HIV?

According to NACO (National AIDS Control Organization), there were an estimated 23.48 lakh (17.98 lakh – 30.98 lakh) people living with HIV in India in 2019. The following two simple strategies can help prevent HIV:

1. Practicing protected sex i.e. using condoms.

2. Using sterilized or new needles.

Cost of HIV Treatment and How to Afford it

According to The Hindustan Times, antiretroviral therapy (ART) is used to treat HIV. The first-line therapy costs Rs 5,000 annually and the second-line therapy, which around 26,000 Indians require, costs Rs 29,000 annually. The second-line therapy is for people with immunity against the first-line drugs. One of the most useful tools in arranging your medical funds is medical crowdfunding. Leading crowdfunding websites in India such as ImpactGuru help individuals fundraise for their urgent treatments in no time. 

What is Crowdfunding?

Crowdfunding is raising money for your cause from a large group of people typically through the internet. There are various crowdfunding platforms in India. ImpactGuru is India’s most trusted fundraising site and makes fundraising quick and easy. 

Why choose ImpactGuru?

Following are the reasons why people choose ImpactGuru to raise funds:

1. 0% Platform fees: ImpactGuru does not charge any service fees for using the platform to raise funds.

2. Quick approval: A fundraiser on ImpactGuru is approved within 24 hours.

3. ImpactGuru is for everyone: Anyone can raise funds on ImpactGuru irrespective of their gender, age, social background, or nationality.

4. Donors trust ImpactGuru: Campaigners have raised lakhs of rupees on ImpactGuru in less than 24 hours.

So, what are you waiting for? To start your medical fundraiser, click here. 

This HIV Vaccine Awareness Day, let us all remember and recognize the efforts of various volunteers, community members, health professionals, and scientists involved in the development of the HIV vaccine. Let us make sure we do our part by not letting the deadly disease spread by taking proper preventive measures.