What is HIV?
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. This virus attacks the immune system, which is human body’s natural defence against illness.
Understanding HIV
HIV is a complex retrovirus that belongs to the Retroviridae family. It is an RNA virus which uses its characteristic reverse transcriptase enzyme to convert its RNA genetic material into DNA before being introduced into a host cell’s genome. The virus destroys the T-helper white blood cells which are also referred to as CD4 cells in the immune system and multiplies inside these cells. It is the virus that causes AIDS.
What is AIDS?
AIDS stands for Acquired ImmunoDeficiency Syndrome. AIDS occurs as HIV multiplies in an infected person, it damages or kills the T-helper white cells, weakening the immune system and leaving the person vulnerable to infections and severe illnesses called opportunistic infections.
Understanding AIDS
AIDS is the most severe phase of HIV infection. Someone is diagnosed with AIDS only when begins to experience one or more of these conditions or loses a significant amount of immune cells.
- First Health Research ProjectIn 2015 First Health Pharmaceuticals started a development project for a novel generation of antivirus and antitumor agents based on the selective inhibition of the human RNA Helicase DDX3.
The project proved highly successful from the start and the same year the company’s stakeholders decided to found First Health United non-profit organization in order to create a platform for the development of antivirals against diseases that offer a reduced economical prospect but are of a particular importance to the developing world.
- Global HIV/AIDS StatisticsSince 2010, new HIV infections among adults have declined by an estimated 11%, whilst AIDS-related deaths have fallen by 48% since the peak in 2005 according to UNdata. But there is still much more to do.
- As of June 2017, 20.9million people living with HIV were accessing antiretroviral therapy.
- Tuberculosis remains the leading cause of death among people living with HIV, accounting for around one in three AIDS-related deaths.
- US$ 26.2billion will be required for the AIDS response in 2020 in low-and middle-income countries.