Welcome To AIDS Alert International's corporate presence (narrowband)

“AIDS Alert’s mission is to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS through proactive actions such as community based research, publications, workshops, conferences and support programmes. We also act as a global advocate on HIV/AIDS and related issues”

Introduction

Much has been learned about AIDS since it was first diagnosed in 1981 as a truly new disease: one we have been forced to deal with while researchers have worked to understand its cause and progression. No longer are health practitioners and researchers concerned primarily, or only, with persons who have been diagnosed with clinical AIDS. In the future we will be reading and hearing less about AIDS itself and more about HIV/AIDS. With the knowledge that AIDS is caused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), health professionals are becoming increasingly concerned about the entire spectrum of HIV/AIDS which starts when a person becomes infected with the virus. Some of these persons show no signs of illness. Other might experience chronic swollen glands, tiredness, night sweats, and weight loss. Still others will develop lingering infections which the body has difficulty overcoming. Many of those who go on to develop clinical AIDS will suffer from AIDS-related pneumonia (Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia), rare cancers (such as Karposi's sarcoma), tuberculosis, and among women there might be higher incidences of pelvic inflammatory diseases.

As we have learned more about AIDS and the virus which causes it, we've also gained knowledge about how the virus is transmitted. So, too, have we learned that education about how to prevent the spread of the virus is everyone's business. Presently, there is no way to kill the virus once it has infected a person. People must know how HIV is transmitted and how to prevent becoming infected in the first place.

The new combination drug therapies are effective in many cases. However, they are not a cure. Moreover, the new drugs may have toxic side effects.

There is no cure for AIDS.
Experts believe the earliest date we will have an HIV vaccine available for widespread use is 2015.

 

 

Our challenge…

 

AIDS Alert's response to this pandemic is one that emphasises on prevention and control - 'Striking before you are caught out'. It has been statistically proven that in countries such as Uganda, Thailand and Cambodia, prompt large-scale prevention programmes have significantly reduced the rates of HIV infection. Using similar strategies, Senegal in sub Saharan Africa has maintained low prevalence rates.

At AIDS Alert we believe in a unified approach in fighting this epidemic. It is our belief that our complementary efforts working in partnership with other NGOs and HIV/AIDS agencies, would provide an amplified influence in the fight against the human impact of this epidemic. In pursuance of this belief we strive to focus on our cause but at the same time welcome positive and innovative partnerships in our fight to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS.