Treatment of aids - Prof. Clifford Lean

Professor Clifford Leen, who hails originally from Mauritius, delivered a talk on the treatment of HIV. He commenced his talk with some facts about the emergence of the disease. It first came to light in Africa in 1920 then appeared in Haiti during the period 1963-1971 then New York 1969-1974. Originally the median survival rate was 18 months after presence of the virus was diagnosed. The immune system tried to fight the virus but the Professor showed some fairly horrific photos which illustrated the effect it had on skin condition, teeth and eyesight. Treatment of HIV was hindered by individuals resisting being tested owing to the stigma attached to the disease.
Various drugs were used in an attempt to treat the disease from AZT then moving on to protease inhibitors. By 2000 the use of drugs could result in terrible side effects like vomiting and diarrhea. This led to medication being prescribed based on individual circumstances. Examples of circumstances taken into account were drug resistance, mental health, cardiovascular risk, renal or liver disease, shift working, personal choice and cost. These drugs could be delivered through, for example, orally or injection.
The trend now shows that the transmission rate of HIV is falling. Where there is an undetectable viral load there is no risk of transmitting the disease. There has been a 90% reduction in new diagnosis and through the provision of greater public information the stigma has been reduced. Although not imminent it is possible that there will be a cure for HIV in years to come.
Professor Leen ended his talk by outlining the following conclusions:-
1.    HIV is now easily treated but at the moment there is no cure;
2.    HIV does not reduce longevity;
3.    Stigma still exists; and
4.    Access to treatment still a problem.
A most interesting talk ended with Angus MacPhie giving the vote of thanks on behalf of the Club.