This week the QOTW was about using chimpanzees for testing for HIV breakthroughs. This was a more difficult question to me moreso than any of the other previous questions. I think there is a real gray area when it comes to using animals for the good of man. I do not want to see animals used/killed needlessly and so if the HIV testing that is being done is not working than it should stop. If it is not working then why do we continue to funnel dollars to this cause?
Asking for HIV positive volunteers is a great idea but how many would we actually get to volunteer and wouldn't it be more beneficial to test on non-positive HIV humans? With chimps having such a close resemblance of DNA to humans it makes them more vulnerable to those who think this is the most beneficial way to make progress in the fight against the virus. I am sure that there are many scientists who would say testing on chimps is the only way to go. I also know there are many humans who would rather we not test on animals which may limit our progress in the fight against HIV. So while we argue about the use of chimps or not for HIV testing the virus continues to spread and people continue to get sick and die.
How am I growing in this class? I think my education is expanding when it comes to HIV/AIDS facts, but I am realizing just how much stigmatism and shame come with being HIV positive. I have developed a sense of compasion for those who are infected and having to deal with their illness each and every day with no end in sight. The M & M Simulation has made me realize how inconvienced HIV positive people are with all the medications they must take and all of the side-effects involved. Its not like taking an antibiotic for 10 days. They must take this medication cocktail the rest of their lives and not miss a dose or risk mutation of the virus. The stress of dealing with the medications, the overall illness, and then the stigmatisms and fallout from those who are less knowledgeable about HIV can be overwhelming.
NYU is doing a study on the immune system of HIV positive people. Both men and woman are involved and the study revolves around the "type and number of immune cells present in their blood" (Web:NYU, 2009). These individuals are infected with HIV but have not progressed to AIDS. although they take no antiretroviral medications. For some reason their body's immune systems keep AIDS from evolving and progressing within their immune system. The study is on why and how this happens in some individuals which are also known as "long-term HIV survivors" or "thrivers" (Web: NYU, 2009). This studyis ongoing.
WEb: NYU, (2009), HIV Long-term Nonprogressors Study, retrived Oct. 27, 2009, from http://www.hivinfosource.org/hivis/clinicaltrials/ltnp.html
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I just caught "you're about me" section and think it's so great that you are blessed with such a supportive family. I feel the same way myself which it was make makes these simulations so heart wrenching at times because I think of how HIV would effect not only the individual, but everyone they love and that loves them. I knew if there were any stigma against me, or if I faced any hardship they would be in pain too.
ReplyDeleteEven if we have advanced a long way with HIV treatments and there are many people living longer lives under treatment... it's definitely not as simple as we all would like to think. It's not popping one pill a day and everything better... you mentioned side effects and how time-sensitive the treatments are, also the emotional impact... it's a complicated issue, that requires a compassionate world.
So glad to see you're growing too! :)
Hey Morgan,
ReplyDeleteThis is my first time reading your "About me" section. I think it's awesome that you want to graduate and that you're so determined:)
I totally agree with you about the M&Ms stimulation being a great way to learn more about HIV+ people and to actually be in their shoes.
I could not agree more with you when you say that there is a grey area when it comes to animal testing. I too do not wish to see them killed, or put through any kind of pain, however I do feel that the benefits to mankind due to animal testing is not something that we can easily give up. Unless human volunteers are present, chimps provide us with the second best results. When it comes to science, some results are better than no results.
ReplyDelete