"Right now, we're in a very interesting position where we have the tools and the wherewithal to have a major impact on turning around the trajectory of the AIDS pandemic," said Fauci.
One of the tools involves treating people early in their infection, before they get sick. This allows those with HIV to lead productive lives. And studies show it dramatically reduces the odds that they will infect a sexual partner.
"There used to be a tension between the [financial] resources that you put in for treatment versus the [financial] resources you put in for prevention. Right now, we know that treatment is actually a form of prevention," said Fauci.
Education and testing
But for every person who receives treatment, two more become infected. Only about 8 million HIV patients in developing countries are receiving treatment. The United Nations' goal is to have 15 million people receiving treatment by 2015.
But experts say that testing and education also are crucial. The CDC recommends routine testing for everyone.
Dr. Jonathan Mermin of the Centers for Disease Control spoke to VOA via Skype. "HIV testing should be as common as cholesterol screening," he said.
As for the steep rise in HIV infections among young people in the United States, the CDC says doctors, teachers and parents need to ensure that young people receive information about HIV and AIDS, and that they get tested and treated if they have the disease.
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2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25