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Positively Positive - Living with HIV/AIDS:
HIV/AIDS News Archive - July 2020
Cholesterol-Lowering Drug Improved Function of Heart’s Arteries
07/29/2020 - In a pilot study of people living with HIV or high levels of cholesterol, Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers found that a six-week course of a cholesterol-lowering medication improved the function of the coronary arteries that provide oxygen to the heart.
The drug used in the study, a PCSK9 inhibitor, lowers the activity of PCSK9, a protein involved in cholesterol metabolism. These levels are higher in people with HIV and in those with high cholesterol.
Loneliness linked to poorer brain health and reduced quality of life in HIV
28 July 2020 - Now that HIV has become a chronic health condition thanks to effective treatment, Canadian researchers have turned to studying other issues that can affect the health of this population. A team of researchers at several Canadian clinics have cooperated to assess the impact of loneliness on the health and well-being of more than 800 mostly middle-aged HIV-positive people.
Top 5 HIV treatment stories at AIDS 2020
28 July 2020 - AIDS 2020, the 23rd International AIDS Conference was held virtually this year due to social distancing and the coronavirus. You might have missed some of the key developments in HIV treatment presented at the meeting.
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UNAIDS is hopeful that a new long-acting HIV prevention option will soon become available for women in sub-Saharan Africa
GENEVA, 28 July 2020- The European Medicines Agency has adopted a positive opinion of the dapivirine ring, a monthly vaginal ring that reduces the vulnerability of women to HIV
UNAIDS congratulates the International Partnership for Microbicides (IPM) on obtaining a positive opinion from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) on the dapivirine vaginal ring. The monthly ring adapts a medical technology commonly used as a contraceptive device to deliver the antiretroviral medicine dapivirine to prevent HIV.
Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination Announces 2020 Elimination Champions
Atlanta, GA., July 27, 2020 - Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination - Six Local Clinicians and Advocates from Burundi, Canada, China, Mexico, New Zealand, and Uganda Honored for their Contributions to Advancing Hepatitis Elimination
In honor of World Hepatitis Day on July 28th, the Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination is pleased to announce the 2020 Elimination Champions. The 2020 Elimination Champions have devoted their lives to ensuring access to hepatitis services is equitable and have achieved major victories in securing government commitment for hepatitis programs, even in the face of many obstacles:
Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Announces Anthony Fauci, Dolores Huerta, Colin Kaepernick, Dan Schulman, and Dan Springer Will Receive Its 2020 Ripple of Hope Award
New York, July 27, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE)- The 52nd annual Robert F. Kennedy Ripple of Hope Award celebrates outstanding changemakers who are working to advance equality, justice, and human rights during extraordinarily challenging times.
Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights today announced its 2020 Ripple of Hope Award laureates: Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; Dolores Huerta, founder and president of the Dolores Huerta Foundation and co-founder of United Farm Workers of America; Colin Kaepernick, human rights activist, co-founder of Know Your Rights Camp, and Super Bowl quarterback; Dan Schulman, president and chief executive officer of PayPal; and Dan Springer, chief executive officer of DocuSign.
Joe Biden Is Our Strongest Option to End the HIV Epidemic
July 27, 2020 - Vice President Biden’s decades-long commitment to HIV/AIDS dates back to 1987. As a senator, Biden was an early and strong supporter of U.S. domestic programs to address the AIDS crisis. He cosponsored and voted to create the Ryan White CARE Act in 1990, as well as subsequent reauthorizations in 1996, 2000, and 2006. Vice President Biden has also been a staunch supporter of U.S. global-health assistance, particularly the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the principal U.S. international prevention and treatment program established in 2003. As a Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) ranking member, he worked with Chairman Dick Lugar, House members like my former boss, Rep. Barbara Lee, and the Bush administration to establish the PEPFAR program in 2003. As chairman in 2008, then-Sen. Biden led the reauthorization of PEPFAR, working with legislators on both sides of the aisle to enact an unprecedented measure that has enjoyed strong bipartisan support until today.
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Vaginal Ring for HIV Prevention Receives Positive Opinion from European Regulator
July 24, 2020- NIAID Celebrates Pivotal Step Toward Expanding HIV Prevention Choices for Women
Today the European Medicines Agency (EMA) announced it has adopted a positive scientific opinion on the dapivirine vaginal ring for use by cisgender women ages 18 and older in developing countries to reduce their risk of HIV infection. This milestone marks an important step toward expanding the number of biomedical HIV prevention options available to women in sub-Saharan Africa, who are among those most affected by the HIV epidemic. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, thanks and congratulates everyone who led, conducted and participated in the research that led to the positive opinion.
UNAIDS pays tribute to AIDS champion Benjamin William Mkapa, former President of the United Republic of Tanzania
GENEVA, 24 July 2020- UNAIDS is saddened by the death of the former President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Benjamin William Mkapa. Mr Mkapa was a bold and compassionate leader who worked to promote peace in eastern Africa and was committed to ending AIDS, being credited with much of the United Republic of Tanzania’s success in responding to HIV.
Kidney Transplantation Between People with HIV is Safe
July 24, 2020- Multicenter HOPE Act Study Expands Pool of Available Kidneys
Kidney transplantation from deceased donors with HIV to people living with both HIV and end-stage kidney disease is feasible and safe, investigators supported by the National Institutes of Health have found. Their study demonstrates that the pool of available kidneys for people with HIV can be expanded by including donors with HIV, making more kidneys available for all who are awaiting a transplant. nding AIDS, being credited with much of the United Republic of Tanzania’s success in responding to HIV.
Dr. Anthony Fauci on COVID, HIV, and Being an 'Alarmist'
JULY 23 2020 - America’s doctor, who fought HIV in the ’80s and is now battling COVID-19, discusses viruses then and now for our digital cover story.
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Powerful new lockdown film reimagines Princess Diana’s historic visit to an AIDS hospital
July 22, 2020- A new film created in coronavirus lockdown recreates the incredible moment Princess Diana visited an AIDS unit in London in 1987 and shook a patient’s hand.
Moments of Grace was originally written as a play by Bren Gosling and was set to debut at the Actors Centre’s flagship venue, the Tristan Bates Theatre.
But the COVID-19 pandemic put those plans to bed.
Now, a film version made entirely by actors in lockdown and created in association with the National HIV Story Trust will air on the Actors Centre website from July 31 to August 9.
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People on HIV Treatment Gain Weight Faster Than Those Without HIV
July 21, 2020 - By Benjamin Ryan - HIV-positive individuals taking antiretrovirals (ARVs) gain weight at a swifter pace than HIV-negative individuals of a similar age, aidsmap reports. This finding held true regardless of the individuals’ initial weight, unless they started off with obesity, in a recent large analysis.
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How COVID-19 threatens efforts to contain HIV/AIDS in South Africa
JULY 21, 2020 - When the COVID-19 pandemic began to spread rapidly across the globe, scientists expressed concern that people living with HIV would be particularly severely affected. This was because those with compromised immune systems are at increased risk of acquiring infections.
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PEPFAR’s Anti-Prostitution Loyalty Oath
July 21, 2020 - MPact Slams U.S. Supreme Court for Upholding PEPFAR’s Anti-Prostitution Loyalty Oath
When Congress passed, and George W. Bush signed into law, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in the United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003, the law contained a draconian “anti-prostitution loyalty oath” (APLO) provision which requires all recipients of PEPFAR funding to “have a policy explicitly opposing prostitution.”
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H.I.V. Survivors Confront Painful Memories and New Risks in Pandemic
July 20, 2020 - In a 15-minute trip to the pharmacy, Jim Morgan, 66, had touched the entrance door, the checkout counter and his face.
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Stigma impedes HIV prevention by stifling patient–provider communication about U = U
19 July 2020 - The success of HIV control strategies throughout the world depends on stakeholders’ implementation of the latest advancements in HIV science. However, healthcare providers’ adoption of recent HIV-related scientific advancements into clinical practice has been variable. There has been a notable challenge around consistently communicating the discovery that sustained viral suppression eliminates risk of sexual transmission (undetectable = untransmittable, (U = U)) to patients. Failure to routinely incorporate U = U patient education into clinical practice is peculiar because the U = U message aligns with treatment goals. Moreover, it is providers’ professional responsibility to inform patients of treatment risks and benefits. So why aren’t these conversations happening?
Bette Midler, Gloria Estefan, Jordin Sparks and more join AIDS WALK Live At Home!
July 19, 2020 - AIDS Walk Live At Home will join the legendary New York and San Francisco AIDS Walk events for the first time to raise funds for GMHC and PRC. Featuring performances and appearances by Bette Midler, Gloria Estefan, Jordin Sparks, Katharine McPhee, Megan Hilty, Shoshana Bean, Matt Bomer, and Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Pioneering method reveals dynamic structure in HIV
NEWS RELEASE 16-JUL-2020 - Technique can track molecules in real time, at room temperature
Now, physicists from the University of Utah have pioneered a way of imaging virus-like particles in real time, at room temperature, with impressive resolution. In a new study, the method reveals that the lattice, which forms the major structural component of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), is dynamic. The discovery of a diffusing lattice made from Gag and GagPol proteins, long considered to be completely static, opens up potential new therapies.
Networks of people living with HIV plug the gap in essential services as weak health systems struggle to cope with COVID-19
14 July 2020 - As health systems the world over are buckling under the pressure of COVID-19, volunteers and activists from the HIV movement have stepped in to ensure that essential services continue. A survey by GNP+, ICW and Y+ Global has found that networks of people living with HIV are using innovative ways to ensure their peers and their communities continue to have access to the critical services that they need.
Can U=U be used to reshape HIV programmes globally?
15 July 2020 - Research presented to the 23rd International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2020: Virtual) last week on Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U) indicates varying levels of awareness and acceptance of this powerful message, despite the conclusive finding that people living with HIV who have an undetectable viral cannot infect others.
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Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Glenn Close, Patti LaBelle and More for "AIDS Walk: Live at Home"
SAN FRANCISCO and NEW YORK (July 14, 2020) - Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Glenn Close, Patti LaBelle and Jordin Sparks Will Join Bette Midler, Gloria Estefan and More For "AIDS Walk: Live at Home"
AIDS WALK: LIVE AT HOME shared today that the previously announced star-studded line-up for Sunday's virtual broadcast will now also include Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Glenn Close, Anne Hathaway, Patti LaBelle, Jordin Sparks, Harvey Fierstein, Raul Esparza, Norm Lewis and San Francisco Mayor London Breed.
Multiomics investigation revealing the characteristics of HIV-1-infected cells in vivo
Press Release July 14, 2020 - Clues for the development of an "HIV-1 cure"
For eradication of HIV-1 infection, it is important to elucidate the detailed features and heterogeneity of HIV-1-infected cells in vivo. In this study, a hematopoietic stem cell-transplanted humanized mouse model infected with a gene-modified HIV-1 was used to reveal multiple characteristics of HIV-1-producing cells in vivo.
Anne Hathaway, Matt Bomer, Bette Midler & More Join AIDS Walk: Live at Home Virtual Benefit
July 14, 2020 - On July 19, a star-studded lineup will join forces for a remote broadcast to raise money to help those affected by HIV and COVID-19
On Sunday, July 19, everyone from Bette Midler to Matt Bomer will join forces to put on a virtual benefit show that will raise money for PRC (formerly the Positive Resource Center in San Francisco), GMHC (formerly the Gay Men's Health Crisis in New York City) and more than 45 other service organizations helping those affected by HIV, AIDS and COVID-19.
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No link between HIV status and coronavirus outcomes in large US study
13 July 2020 - An analysis of the largest cohort of people living with HIV in the United States found that they were not more likely to contract the new coronavirus, and those who did so were not more likely to develop severe COVID-19, researchers reported last week at the 23rd International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2020: Virtual).
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APLA Health Opens Registration for First-Ever Digital AIDS Walk Los Angeles
Los Angeles, July 12, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - “Get With the Programs” is the theme for AIDS Walk LA 2020
Today, APLA Health opened registration for its first-ever online only, digital AIDS Walk Los Angeles. In 2020, sponsors, individuals and teams will “Get With the Programs,” and they will see firsthand how they support the vital work of APLA Health services and programs through their AIDS Walk fundraising efforts.
Chronic pain in people with HIV: a common comorbidity and threat to quality of life
2020 July 10 - Evidence indicates that over half of all people with HIV (PWH) will experience nonmalignant chronic pain throughout their lifetimes, with increasing prevalence as they age. Peripheral neuropathy resulting from the neurotoxic effects of HIV itself and the medications used to treat HIV were widely considered the primary cause of acute and chronic pain early on in the antiretroviral treatment era. However, recent studies suggest a predominance of non-neuropathic (e.g., musculoskeletal) pain in PWH with uncertain etiology. Chronic pain is often widespread in PWH, affecting multiple body locations. Additional research is needed to better understand contributors to chronic pain in PWH, which is likely to include biological (e.g., immune dysregulation), psychological (e.g., substance abuse) and social (e.g., stigma) factors.
Addressing HIV Stigma in MSM
Jul 10, 2020 - Why men who have sex with men face social hurdles in seeking PrEP and preventive education.
Final HIV Research Highlights from AIDS 2020
July 10, 2020 - As the 23rd International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2020: Virtual) drew to a close yesterday, HIV.gov shared a final interview with Carl Dieffenbach, Ph.D., director of the Division of AIDS at NIH’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), about more of the week’s important HIV research developments.
We Can’t End AIDS Without Fighting Racism
July 9, 2020 - As America continues its long-overdue reckoning with racism and systemic injustice, we must address the devastating impact of the disease on the Black community.
The color of your skin should not determine the quality of your health. But in the United States, the HIV/AIDS epidemic is exacerbated by racism, bias, and discrimination. As America continues its long-overdue reckoning with racism and systemic injustice, we must address the devastating impact of the disease on the Black community. An end to the AIDS epidemic can only be achieved through dignity, respect, love, and compassion for all.
View All 48,000 Panels of the AIDS Memorial Quilt
July 9, 2020 - They’re pictured in one awe-inspiring digital image. Meanwhile, select panels are displayed in San Francisco as part of AIDS 2020.
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Researchers at Western University develop a way to pull HIV out of the latent reservoir
July 9, 2020 - Researchers at Western University have developed a way to pull HIV out of the latent reservoir making the virus visible to the immune system and providing the potential to be killed by treatment.
Part of what has made HIV infection so difficult to cure, is that once the virus enters the body, some of it hides dormant inside of the cells, making it essentially invisible to both the immune system and antiretroviral drugs. This hiding virus is known as the ‘latent reservoir’ and it is what prevents a cure for people living with HIV.
COVID-19 Mortality Rates and Outcomes for HIV Patients Better Than HIV-Negative Group
JUL 08, 2020 - In a small hospital study, HIV patients who were hospitalized for coronavirus (COVID-19) fared better compared to a HIV-negative population.
Long-acting injectable form of HIV prevention outperforms daily pill in NIH study
July 7, 2020 - Both methods highly effective at preventing HIV among men who have sex with men and transgender women.
A pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) regimen containing an investigational long-acting form of the HIV drug cabotegravir injected once every 8 weeks was more effective than daily oral Truvada at preventing HIV acquisition among cisgender men who have sex with men and transgender women who have sex with men in a clinical trial sponsored by the National Institutes of Health. While both methods were highly effective for HIV prevention in the study population, the final data analysis indicated that cabotegravir had a superior protective effect. Findings from the Phase 2b/3 study, called HPTN 083, will be discussed in an online press conference and oral presentations during the 23rd International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2020: Virtual).
People with HIV gain weight faster than HIV-negative people
4 July 2021 - Keith Alcorn - People with HIV on antiretroviral treatment gain weight faster than HIV-negative people of a similar age, regardless of baseline weight, a large study of people receiving treatment through the Kaiser Permanente healthcare system in the United States shows.
They gained weight three times as quickly as HIV-negative people and after 12 years of follow-up, had a higher body mass than HIV-negative people.
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