Despite the high-profile buzz surrounding Charlie Sheen's HIV infection, the latest UNAIDs report brings some good news. In time for the coming World AIDS Day on 1 December, UNAIDS released the news that 15.8 million cases of HIV infection are now receiving treatment while the number of new cases of HIV infection has significantly decreased.
"By June 2015, UNAIDS estimates that 15.8 million people were accessing antiretroviral therapy, compared to 7.5 million people in 2010 and 2.2 million people in 2005."
The report also says: "At the end of 2014, UNAIDS estimates that new HIV infections had fallen by 35% since the peak in 2000 and AIDS-related deaths have fallen by 42% since the 2004 peak."
According to the report, countries have responded well in support of the UN's strategy and goal of lowering AIDS infection by 2030. Progress on this end in the 15 years past has been quite remarkable.
UNAIDS executive director Michel Sidibe says: "Today, we have more HIV prevention options than ever before. And with better data, we can become better matchmakers, finding the right prevention options for the right people."
"Everyone has the right to a long and healthy life. We must take HIV services to the people who are most affected and ensure that these services are delivered in a safe, respectful environment with dignity and free from discrimination."
Fittingly, preparations are already gearing up to celebrate World AIDS Day with most events in different countries focusing on educating and creating awareness about HIV and AIDS. Stigma and fear still run high in response to HIV and AIDS infection as divulged in stories like celebrity Charlie Sheen, who hid his infection from the public eye for years by paying millions of dollars to his blackmailers.
Interestingly, a second school of thought refutes the connection between HIV and AIDS. Quite a number of experts believe that HIV does not cause AIDS. Among these are retrovirus expert Peter Duesberg of the University of California, Nobel Prize winner Walter Gilbert and, recently, HIV positive Loreen Willenberg of California. Even renowned Indian American author and speaker Deepak Chopra believes that HIV does not cause AIDS and that the AIDS drug AZT will more quickly destroy the body.
Nonetheless, an educated and positive attitude in the face of infection goes a long way in re-establishing quality to life. A healthy lifestyle and good nutrition are essential, especially once Acute HIV Infection moves on to the Clinical Latency Stage. An HIV infected person may be on this second stage for quite a while, such as NBA star Magic Johnson, Olympic diver Greg Louganis, Styx bass player Chuck Panozzo, 'Who's the Boss' kid Danny Pintauro and Charlie Sheen.
The recommended diet for HIV positive individuals include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, lean protein, carbohydrates. Food and drinks should also be low in sugar.
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