AIDS Cure Rate, Mortality Rate, and Prevention Methods: What You Need to Know in 2025
At this point, AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is one of the most underappreciated diseases in the world. Even though HIV/AIDS does not pose as many death risks as it used to, it still continues to be surrounded by myths and misinformation. To set the record clear, let’s figure out how far we are in achieving a cure. What’s the current cure rate? How many people still die from AIDS? And what actually works to mitigate its transmission?
Can AIDS Be Cured? The Latest Science
First things first, there is a crucial difference: HIV is the virus, and AIDS is the advanced stage of an untreated HIV infection. The condition itself cannot be ‘cured,’ but modern treatments can reverse its progression by effectively ‘policing’ the HIV.
Current “Cure” Landscape
Antiretroviral Therapy (ART): Is not a cure, but when taken daily, HIV is brought to undetectable levels. ART is, however, liberating as individuals on ART can lead fulfilling lives. Importantly, people living with HIV can no longer sexually transmit the virus (U=U: Undetectable = Untransmittable).
Functional Cures: Around 5 patients have been declared cured of HIV (like the “Berlin Patient” and “Geneva Patient). Becoming a rare case of cured HIV came from undergoing risky bone marrow transplants for cancer treatment. These are not treatment options that can be scaled to a larger population.
Research Breakthroughs: CRISPR gene-editing trials or mRNA vaccines of other viruses (including Moderna’s HIVv) may take years to actually be able to use publicly, but show a lot of promise.
Key Takeaway: While no cure is available at the moment, ART does enable the management of HIV as a chronic condition.
AIDS Mortality Rate: Progress and Gaps
The global deaths related to AIDS have dropped by 69% since 2004 (UNAIDS, 2023) due to the access of ART. But gaps still exist:
What Is The Reason For People Still Dying From AIDS?
Late Diagnosis: 40% of people who are obese and HIV positive find out their status only when AIDS is developed.
Treatment Gaps: Of the diagnosed individuals, only 76% actually receive ART (WHO, 2023).
Opportunistic Infections: HIV that is not treated progressively weakens the immune system and allows the merciless active diseases to become starred such as TB.
5 Effective Prevention Strategies
1. PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)
Target Audience: The high-risk population which consists of partners of HIV positive people and sex workers.
2. Condoms with Lubricant
Latex and polyurethane condoms can reduce the transmission of HIV by 80-95%
Insider Advice: Water-based lubricant is recommended as it reduces the likelihood of tearing.
3. PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)
An emergency course of medication is PEP, taken within 72 hours of suspected exposure to HIV.
Scenario: A nurse who has been accidentally infected with an HIV-positive patient’s needle while performing a routine procedure.
4. Harm Reduction Program for Drug Users
Needle-exCHANGE programs reduce the transmission of HIV by fifty percent amongst IV drug users.
5. Testing and Providing Health Information
Provide a regular check-up schedule every three to six months, conduct thorough sexual health conversations with willing adults.
Myths and Truths
Myth: Kissing or being bitten by a mosquito can lead to HIV infection.
Truth: HIV is transmitted solely via blood, seminal fluid, vaginal secretions, or breast milk.
Myth: Curing AIDS can be done using natural herbal medicine.
Truth: Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) is an integral component of HIV management and no other method has been proven effective.
The Road Ahead
A lot remains to be done, but the outlook is good. AIDS-related deaths could decline even more further if 95% of HIV+ individuals are on ART by 2025, which is the UNAIDS goal. In the meantime, new products such as the monthly injectable ART and the vaginal ring for women aim to make prevention simpler.
Final Takeaway:
AIDS is something we can prevent and treat. Get tested, get treatment if needed, and remember: Silence = Stigma = Spread. Break the Cycle.
