Archive · 1 Jul 2025
Why HIV Cure Efforts Continue Despite Existing Treatments
Scientists are still looking for a cure for HIV even though there are good treatments available.
These treatments help people with HIV live long, healthy lives and prevent the virus from spreading.
However, not everyone can get these treatments because they might be too expensive or unavailable in some places.
While a few people have been cured with special treatments, these aren't practical for everyone.
So, researchers are trying new methods like 'shock and kill' to get rid of the virus.
The goal is to find a cure that's cheap and easy to use so it can help people all over the world.
Effective HIV treatments and PrEP exist, allowing people with HIV to live longer and preventing transmission.
Millions are still being spent on finding an HIV cure due to challenges like access and cost.
While a few people have been 'cured' through bone marrow transplants, this is not widely scalable.
Research is ongoing, including a new approach to 'shock and kill' the virus.
A cure must be affordable and low-tech to be accessible globally.
- Who
- Researchers, people living with HIV, and those at risk.
- What
- The ongoing search for a cure for HIV despite the availability of effective treatments.
- When
- Ongoing research and development.
- Where
- Globally, with specific research in Australia.
- Why
- To address challenges of access, cost, and to eliminate HIV completely.
Support for Cure Research
Prioritize Treatment Access
Investment in Cure vs. Treatment Access
Support for Cure Research
Advocates continue to push for HIV cure research.
Prioritize Treatment Access
Those who have doubts and/or believe that funding should be redirected to ensure effective treatment is available to everyone.
- PrEP
- Pre-exposure prophylaxis to prevent HIV
- Current Treatments
- Effective HIV medicine
- Potential Cure Strategy
- "Shock and Kill" method using mRNA technology.
- People "Cured"
- At least seven through bone marrow transplants
- Access Concerns
- Availability of healthcare, drug costs, and infrastructure