German AIDS-Hilfe calls for more research

World AIDS Conference ends without major breakthroughs

07/27/2012

During the World AIDS Conference in Washington today, the German AIDS Aid (DAH) has signed a declaration naming nine important measures, „to end the AIDS epidemic.“ Although HIV prevention in Germany is already very successful in international comparison, it does „Germany must significantly increase its efforts in research“, emphasized in this connection Carsten Schatz, member of the board of the German Aids-Hilfe.

The World AIDS Conference has, according to Carsten Schatz „Internationally set a new departure signal for the healing of HIV infection“ However, Germany should continue to be as cautious as ever in financing research, „we risk being left behind“; so sweetie on. And this, although some promising approaches of AIDS therapy were developed in Germany.

Aids a most preventable consequence of HIV infection
Overall, the World AIDS Conference, according to estimates of the German Aids-Hilfe no groundbreaking results, „but set important signs.“ For example, UNAIDS director Michel Sidibé emphasized that the existing treatment options should by no means be played off against prevention approaches. „Information, advice and interventions against discrimination are and will remain essential“, The German Aids-Hilfe quotes the UNAIDS director. „AIDS is today a most preventable consequence of HIV infection. Although we will have to wait longer for a cure, we can actually get the disease break up, if we let all people participate in the success of therapy and prevention“, emphasized DAH board member Schatz. „Whether this succeeds is a question of political will - worldwide, but also in Germany“, the expert continues.

End of the AIDS epidemic possible
In Germany, especially in terms of research efforts, much more is possible and necessary, according to the position of the German AIDS Aid. The existing good approaches, such as those developed at the Heinrich-Pette-Institut in Hamburg „molecular scissors“, de HIV can be removed from infected body cells, should be further expanded, so the statement by Carsten Schatz. However, additional funding would be needed not to lose touch with HIV research. This view is also Joachim Rüppel, spokesman of the Action Alliance against AIDS. Rüppel emphasized that „the HIV epidemic can only be repressed if there is a political will to assume global responsibility.“ This means too, „to provide the necessary financial resources, to overcome the social stigma and to break the monopoly position of the pharmaceutical companies in the supply of essential medicines“, the spokesman for the action alliance continues. (Fp)

Also read about HIV & AIDS:
Latent HIV infections curable?
Controversial HIV drug approved
HIV protection: anti-AIDS pill no miracle cure
AIDS: drug to protect against HIV infection

Picture credits: Marcel Rolfes