Highest priority given to improve HIV/AIDS treatment: Spokesperson

Scientists have been looking for a cure for HIV/AIDS since the virus was discovered in the United States in 1981. HIV, also known as Human Immuno-deficiency Virus cripples people's immune system. This leaves the body unprotected from other infections. A cure is yet to be found. But in the efforts to find one, scientists did find an effective weapon.

Although incurable, the infection can be controlled. Doctors have been using anti-retroviral treatment to reduce the amount of the virus in a carrier's blood. The therapy has proven effective in prolonging the life expectancy of people living with HIV/AIDS.

Professor Xu Keyi, World Health Organization Expert, said, "The anti-retroviral drugs reduces the virus in the blood. After a month of treatment, only about a tenth of the virus remains. Most of the virus can be eliminated after three months. That's the latest breakthrough of the therapy."

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President Hu Jintao is pledging to mobilize communities to improve efforts to fight the spread of HIV/AIDS. He and other state leaders took part in a gathering of AIDS prevention volunteers yesterday Monday, one day ahead of World AIDS Day. Full story >>