From the Pope's comments on condoms to a Promising New Pill, this year has seen "some positive steps in the battle against HIV / AIDS. But the fight is far from over.
In December 1996, TIME ran a story titled "AIDS: Hope With an Asterisk." Fourteen years later, That sentiment stands. Here is our take is Three bits of good news, asterisks included:
(Read 'David Ho, The Man Who Could Beat AIDS. ")
Infection Rates A new report from UNAIDS says the epidemic has Stabilized. The Number of New Infections Is Falling, as are AIDS-related deaths. Overall, 33 countries have seen Their infection rate drop by More Than 25% Between 2001 and 2009, thanks, in part, Thu HIV Prevention Efforts. That's good news.
* But progress is uneven. Though infection rates are dropping Generally in sub-Saharan Africa, They are rising Elsewhere, Especially in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
The Pope, The Vatican's Conservative Stance is condoms has Aid Workers Frustrated and health experts for years. But there are signs of change. The pope recently an Italian journalist Told That there are somethings Cases (they used the example of a Male Prostitute) in condoms Which Can be Used To Prevent the Spread of of HIV.
* The Pope's pronouncement was controversial, evangelical Within the church. They May Back Down. Plus, the Pontiff's Stance is Just One of Several Factors (Including accessibility, cost and stigma) That keep people from using condoms.
The Pill Last month, a clinical trial found a Drug That Called Truvada (a Combination of Two Antiretroviral Drugs) Reduced the odds of HIV infection in men. It is an Approach Called 'pre-exposure prophylaxis. " Some say it's the best news in years.
* It May, In Fact, be great news, But It needs more testing. Also, the pill only works if you always take it. Studies show People Are Not so good at this.
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