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Scientists call renewed efforts to find HIV cure

Category: HIV

A cure for the virus that causes HIV seems to be nearly within grasp of scientists investigating the infection, but stronger efforts on the part of world governments are needed to finally develop a treatment that could put an end to positive HIV tests, said a group of scientists.

The sixth annual International AIDS Society Conference recently wrapped up, and many of the event's attendees said that it appears science is inching closer to finding a cure for the disease. However, this progress has been much too slow and unsteady for the liking of the medical community, and activists want governments to do more.

"We need the same kind of political will as when President Kennedy decided to put a man on the moon within a decade," said Alain Lafeuillade, chair of the International Workshop on HIV Persistence, Reservoirs and Eradication Strategies. "Commitment for HIV cure at the top political level will only be able to open the path to success."

If this kind of effort is put forth, Lafeuillade believes that a cure for the disease could be achieved in the relatively near term.