Evidence of HIV Detected in Baby Said to Be Cured

In unfortunate news, the Mississippi baby doctors thought was functionally cured of HIV now has detectable levels of the virus in her system. A little more than two years after being taken off of an antiretroviral medication regimen, the child was tested during a routine checkup when the virus was detected and signs of a compromised immune system confirmed.

Despite the setback in the case of this child, doctors still emphasize the importance of early detection and treatment in pregnant women with HIV, as well as an early treatment method for infants with HIV.
(Source)

What Does This Mean For Us
For many, the news of the virus returning in this child is a major blow to what was thought to be a game-changing advancement in the fight against AIDS.

According to the CDC, gay men, Blacks, and young people are disproportionately at risk for new infection. If you do not fall into one of these categories, you more than likely know someone who does.

This recent news is nothing short of a reminder that safe sex and proactive testing are just as important as ever before. While progress toward a cure is being made, this case indicates much more work needs to be done and reaffirms continued diligence in protecting against the virus.

Further, this highlights the necessity of de-stigmatizing HIV and AIDS. It can be easy to point the finger at an infected adult, explaining away their status as a result of their own actions, whether it was indeed a product of personal carelessness or not.
There is no denying the obvious victimhood of a child-- a child that may someday grow into an adult with a positive HIV status and be subject to stigma and discrimination. While the medical work is encouraging, there will be no true progress in preventing the spread of HIV without societal efforts and individual work.

Lead the way for yourself and those around you. Have the difficult conversations, and get tested.