Sunday, December 1, is World AIDS Day. Whether or not you personally know someone who's affected by the disease, it's something we as a community should have more awareness about. According to the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, California ranks second in the nation for cumulative AIDS cases, with more than 60% of Californians with HIV residing in LA County and the Bay Area. Grim statistics, but fortunately, the news isn't all bad. I spoke with Susan Buchbinder, Director of Bridge HIV, a Bay Area research group dedicated to global HIV prevention, about World AIDS Day, what we should know about AIDS, and any new new findings, especially the positive kind, to share.
When and why did World AIDS Day start?
The first World AIDS Day campaign started in January 1988 through the efforts of James W. Bunn and Thomas Netter of the World Health Organization. It’s a time for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, support people living with HIV, and commemorate people who have died. Anyone can join our social media campaign on December 1st by following #endhivfor.
Are the number of AIDS cases increasing or decreasing in SF? And what are the reasons for the increase/decrease?
Overall, the number of new HIV diagnoses in San Francisco declined between 2007 and 2011 and leveled off in 2012 (though reporting delays may affect the number of cases). These findings may reflect expanded efforts to increase HIV testing, facilitate linkage to care, and offer treatment, also known as a “Test and Treat” strategy. In 2010, the SF Department of Public Health adopted policies to offer HIV treatment to all infected patients, two years before a similar, federal policy change. But more progress is needed to address health disparities in early treatment and their connection to new infections – particularly with regards to communities of color and trans communities.
Are there any misconceptions about AIDS that you've been hearing lately that you'd like to correct?
A big misconception about HIV is that it’s not really a problem anymore – that because more people are getting treated, it’s not still spreading. While rates of HIV infection are stable in most populations, we actually are seeing an increase in infections among young men who have sex with men, particularly young black and Latino men who have sex with men. The explanation for this is complicated, but we are focusing on increasing community engagement and on exploring new home testing and online sexual risk assessment tools.
What are the new developments in AIDS treatment or prevention that you are hopeful for or excited about?
At Bridge HIV, we are particularly excited about the concept of a lubricant (or microbicide gel) for HIV prevention. Our previous studies contributed to the approval of the anti-HIV pill, Truvada®, for HIV prevention, and we are now testing a rectal gel containing a similar medication which, if found safe and effective, could help reduce HIV risk. (For more info about this and other studies at Bridge HIV, visit http://www.bridgehiv.org/get-involved/volunteer/).
Are there any trials that San Franciscans who are HIV positive or who have AIDS can participate in?
The prevention-focused studies we do at Bridge HIV are mostly for folks who are HIV-negative. However, our research partners at UCSF/San Francisco General Hospital’s Positive Health Program have several new and ongoing HIV treatment and care trials. In addition to their work, a comprehensive list of studies for people living with HIV/AIDS can be found on the San Francisco AIDS Foundation website, at http://www.sfaf.org/hiv-info/hot-topics/hivresource/
Photo by Zane Hollingsworth