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The article doesn't discuss a likely unintended consequence; higher risk taking esp. by the young that is driven in part by such messaging - too many already seem to think AIDS has ended. I say the "bumper sticker"takeaway could cause a resurgence.
The human genome is 2% human genes, 8% retrovirus genes and 90% non-coding (for peptides/proteins) broken genes. The genomes of all life are "grave yards" of past retrovirus infections and genes that once were (functional). Some endogenous (not HIV) retrovirus genes help a fertilized human egg to divide. 100-to-1 (and higher) profit margins on the treatments prevents progress. The FDA must prevent non-functional generic drugs from being sold. Clinical trials must focus on early treatment.
The "end of AIDS" language is misleading at best, if not an outright cynical ploy to attract donors or grab the attention of the public in a way that can never be realized. Not only doesn't it ring true, it kills our credibility in the long run. I won't see the end of AIDS and neither will you. But is it possible to maintain hope and continue advocacy in light of that tragic truth?
Tom
Considering how (the late) Thomas Eric Duncan was treated at an Emergency room in Dallas, when he first appeared with 103' fever, abdominal pain, dizziness, headache, decreased urination and severe pain, and given that he had informed the staff that he had recently traveled to Africa, I don't have a "warm fuzzy" about the profiteering on HIV/AIDS.
October 11, 2014