The Efficacy of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for being HIV Free

We, at HIV Advocates, are one with the many in rejoicing once we hear scientific developments and studies that bring good news for the treatment of HIV infections. It is our dream that more people will have access to effective medications and other treatment options in order to lessen the burden of such health problem. With this, we were elated to know that an insurer from San Francisco, Kaiser Permanente, reiterated that out of its 657 clients who have taken pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), none of them have been infected over a period of 2 years, which means that they have been HIV-free.

The findings of the San Francisco-based insurer, however, were in contradiction with earlier studies. According to its critics, PrEP will result into the usage of less condom, and hence, will increase the likelihood of being able to acquire HIV infections. To shed light into this confusion, take a look at the study that has been published at the Clinical Infectious Diseases. Based on the research, gay men from San Francisco who have been given PrEP used fewer condoms and has resulted into venereal diseases. However, none of them have acquired HIV. These venereal disease can be cured with the use of antibiotics.

According to Dr. Jonathan E. Volk, the lead author of the study, the findings of the research are very reassuring. It shows that PrEP will be effective even in high-risk populations. Although this may not be a study that is as scientifically-robust as a randomized trial where a placebo is given to the subjects, it involves a large number of men as a trial population. This in itself already gives us a good reason to believe its findings. At HIV Advocates, we choose to be positive and take this as a welcoming development in the incessant quest towards finding a way to deal with HIV.

Being a gay-friendly city, sexual activity amongst gay men in San Francisco is high. With the PrEP, as it has been proven in the study, the HIV epidemic can be effectively dealt with. Even if the participants have shown decrease usage of condom and even if they have had multiple sex partners, PrEP has still demonstrated its high level of effectiveness in fighting infection.

With all of these things being said, in spite of some criticisms from people or groups who do not support the findings of the study, we are very happy to hear that PrEP is presenting a viable solution to the problem of HIV. At HIV Advocates, like many of you, we are always happy to be hearing this kind of news and we keep on hoping that further developments will be carried on to find the best solutions that are available.

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Sundance Asia 4 and You’ll Be Partying to Support the Community Work of The HIV Foundation Thailand and B-Change Foundation

Have you ever considered supporting a worthy cause? Why not participate in an event, which will allow you to party, and at the same time support a cause? This possibility can happen if you purchase tickets for the Sundance Asia 4. Proceeds of this event will go to the community work of the HIV Foundation Thailand and B-Change Foundation, an event organized by the HIV Advocates.

Sundance Asia Festival

The HIV Advocates have set this event to happen on Thursday, December 31, 2015, at 9:00 pm in Bangkok, Thailand. Selling of the tickets will end on October 15, 2015, so you definitely have enough time to get your tickets for this wonderful cause. Of course, you can also expect to enjoy everything that this event has to offer.

The Sundance Asia Festival is considered as one of the biggest dance parties in this part of the world. Every year, this event attracts the attention of thousands of guys from different areas all over the world in order to enjoy this event in Bangkok. This event is also the highlight of the gay calendar in Thailand and is also the best way to celebrate the start of the New Year. Every New Year’s Eve, guys from different areas of the world gather to the ballroom at Sofitel Bangkok starting at 10 pm. There, the hottest Go Go dancers as well as international DJs dance together in an amazing light show, making this event a great way to end the year and welcome the new one.

A follow-up party happens on the 3rd of January. After a day of relaxation and rest, you can head out to attend the fabulous pool party at the Hilton Sukhumvit Hotel’s Mosaic Pool & Bar at DoubleTree starting at 2 pm to 9 pm. This event also features the hottest international DJs. The proceeds of this event will be distributed by the HIV Advocates and will support the community work of the HIV Foundation Thailand and B-Change Foundation.

It is very rare to be given the opportunity to attend an event for enjoyment, and at the same time be able to support a worthy cause. The Sundance Asia 4 is not just any event. As a matter of fact, it is the largest one in Asia to attract thousands of guys all over the world for this wonderful dance party, which ends the year and welcomes the new one. By getting your tickets now, you are not just assured of a slot, but you can also make sure that you will be ending this year right!

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How to Finally Eliminate HIV by 2030 through Testing

For almost every known sickness including serious ones such as cancer—early diagnosis means early treatment; this is always better than delayed diagnosis and delayed treatment. When it comes to HIV, those who are knowledgeable about this illness know the fact that being treated early gives more hope of survival. This is not anything new at all; however, there are still many who do not get tested, hence, they are not treated. There are many patients who have died with advanced AIDS just because they failed to get tested for several reasons. Until today, there are people who still live with HIV and die of AIDS just because they don’t even know they are infected. The only way to eliminate HIV is through testing.

The 90-90-90 Process to Eliminate HIV by 2030

In a perfect world, you would imagine that people will just follow recommendations from the experts to stop something as serious as HIV. However, this is not a perfect world, and people don’t just follow. Still, there’s hope to finally eliminate HIV by 2030 with proper awareness and if people are continually encouraged to get tested. Testing is the crucial step to put an end to HIV because no matter how many “miracle cures” that may be found out there, if people refuse to get tested, they wouldn’t get the chance to be treated. An AIDS conference held in Vancouver in July 2015 introduced a 90-90-90 concept by researchers. The concept is pretty simple—5 years from now, in 2020, 90% of all HIV-positive individuals must undergo tests to check if they have the virus. If 90% of those who tested positive get treated and 90% of those treated effectively respond then in 2030, HIV will be gone for good.

The Importance of Undergoing HIV Tests

The 90-90-90 concept is simple; however, the 90% goal in 5 years may be quite a long shot, but it’s definitely achievable. Currently, there are approximately 19 million HIV-positive individuals haven’t been tested yet. This is actually more than half of those living with the virus! There are various ways to get tested for HIV and processes are usually fast, cheap and very simple. However, it’s not really a common thing to talk about or do for many individuals. Because the subject isn’t even brought up in normal conversations, getting tested for HIV is not even a concern for many. If only annual testing can be required by the government, then the goal can be achieved.

Awareness of HIV and the importance of undergoing regular tests must be talked about. The best and only way to get treated is if you know you have been infected. Again, early treatment is a must and is so much better than getting treatment when almost all hope is gone. Let’s be one and united in beating HIV and keep it away from our planet by 2030.

HIV Advocates which is a global initiative that aims to share news, experiences, strategies and new tools that aim to energize human rights movements and communities fighting HIV/AIDS, is the answer. Supported by Levi Strauss Foundation and powered by B-Change Foundation,  HIV Advocates encourages existing and would-be activists to explore the power of social media and other Internet avenues to help spread the message across - that discrimination and stigma no longer have any place in society and that society should accept the LGBT community members as they are.

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How to Fight HIV: Care or Fear

Fighting HIV also means working at prevention tactics for youth and adults around the world.  With the proper message, it is possible to begin eliminating the problem in every region.  However, it requires sending the message in a way that can be well - received by the audience.  In many areas, fear is used, showing the detrimental effects of HIV.  However, other campaign specialists have taken a different approach, using education and care as the primary focus.  Defining which fights HIV effectively can assist in eradicating the disease quickly.  

The Fear Based Approach

For many advocates that are interested in eliminating HIV, the focus is on showing the detrimental effects of the disease.  Announcing that it is life threatening and worsens over time are some of the central fear-based approaches.  However, it has been found that this method does not create positive effects.  Instead, those that hear the message become confused from the fear tactics that are used.  Individuals are less likely to respond or take action with protection.  It is noted that the fear used often does not provide solutions or different associations with how one may get HIV and what they can do to stop it.  

Education as a Basis

As an initiative in the Philippines, an advocacy organization took a different approach.  They began to show healthy, young people that might have been at a lower risk for getting HIV.  Instead of showing them dying or creating fear tactics, they were responsible for a positive message.  Taking precautions, understanding the risk of HIV and knowing what to do would stop the disease.  It was noted that this particular approach of showing healthy and inviting models led to a better response.  Youth in the area were invited into changing their mindset about the disease and problems it would lead to.  At the same time, educational initiatives became open easily and quickly for those in the region.  

Making a Difference with Positive Education

It is not only the fear based vs. positive and caring associations that is known to create better results.  It has also been found that youth expect practical solutions through education.  Many advocacies focus on celibacy as the answer, condemning sex before marriage.  Others ignore or don't give light to gay relationships, often creating stigmas around certain types of relationships.  It has been found that open and positive education about HIV creates the best results.  Youth understand how the disease is caused and what they can do to prevent it.  Instead of creating expectations or negative associations that may seem impractical, there is the ability to reach youth by giving them what they need to know.  

There are ways to fight HIV by offering preventative measures.  However, this requires sending the message in the right way.  With positive education and messages that show care, there is the ability to reach a wider audience while creating the necessary response.  By using this, instead of a fear based approach, there is the ability to send the word out to every margin of the world and to begin fighting against HIV.

HIV Advocates which is a global initiative that aims to share news, experiences, strategies and new tools that aim to energize human rights movements and communities fighting HIV/AIDS, is the answer. Supported by Levi Strauss Foundation and powered by B-Change Foundation,  HIV Advocates encourages existing and would-be activists to explore the power of social media and other Internet avenues to help spread the message across - that discrimination and stigma no longer have any place in society and that society should accept the LGBT community members as they are.

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