Stem cell research has long been in the news for the potential it has to yield major breakthroughs in medicine, especially for the treatment of incurable diseases like HIV/AIDS. Any conversation about stem cells is also surrounded by political controversy, but HIV Advocates is proud to acknowledge a completely positive story regarding HIV/AIDS research. Next Biosciences, a South African stem cell bank, recently won the Singularity University Global Impact Competition (GIC)!
This is a major victory for HIV/AIDS research as Next Biosciences is primarily focused on developing treatments and, ultimately, a cure for HIV/AIDS via their research into stem cell therapies. As winners of the Singularity U GIC, Next will be sending scientist Nick Walker to Silicon Valley for a 10-week course called the Global Solutions Program. He will then return to South Africa to continue the development of his project with the support of the support of Singularity U behind him.
Walker was chosen from a field of 48 applicants, each of whom submitted a proposal for an innovative project in their field of expertise. These other projects included research into food issues, water shortages, disaster relief, and the environment, and although these are all worthy causes, it is nice to see HIV/AIDS research get the attention it deserves. Hopefully in the future, more dedicated support from noble organizations like Singularity U will arise to deal with issues of disease in new and inventive ways.
Of itself, Singularity University says they are, “a benefit corporation whose mission is to educate, inspire and empower leaders to apply exponential technologies to address humanity’s greatest challenges.” HIV/AIDS definitely qualifies as one of mankind’s great modern challenges and HIV Advocates applauds Nick Walker and Next Biosciences for their efforts to stop HIV once and for all.
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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