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May 18 marks National HIV Vaccine Awareness Day, a day to recognize the efforts of those researching and developing vaccines for HIV/AIDS. This important day was established in 1997 by the US Department of Health & Human Services to raise awareness about prevention options for this virus. Since then, progress has been made towards finding an effective vaccine with more than 130 candidate vaccines being developed around the world. It's incredible how far we've come and we are excited to continue working together towards ending the global epidemic!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1981</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Discovery of HIV/AIDS</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first cases of what would eventually be known as AIDS were reported in the United States.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1983</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Identification of HIV</div><div class='timeline-text'>Scientists identified the virus that causes AIDS, which was named the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1997</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of Awareness Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>National HIV Vaccine Awareness Day is established by the US Department of Health & Human Services to raise awareness about prevention options.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2007</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Vaccine Development Advancement</div><div class='timeline-text'>The RV144 clinical trial in Thailand became the first study to show that a safe and effective HIV vaccine was possible, demonstrating a modest reduction in HIV infection rates.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2012</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Preventative Treatment Approved</div><div class='timeline-text'>The FDA approved the first drug, Truvada for PrEP, to reduce the risk of HIV infection in uninfected individuals who are at high risk.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2021</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Potential HIV Cure</div><div class='timeline-text'>Researchers from the American Gene Technologies started Phase I clinical trial of a potential HIV cure based on gene therapy.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Educate yourself</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to read up on HIV vaccine research and the progress that has been made. Learn about current clinical trials and ask questions, if you have them.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>See if there are any volunteer opportunities in your area related to HIV vaccine awareness. You could help organize an event or provide support for those participating in clinical trials.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Spread the word</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Share stories on social media about HIV vaccine research, progress, and success. Let your friends know what you have learned and encourage them to get involved.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Support organizations doing important work around HIV vaccine research and development. Your donations can help make a difference.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend an event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Look for local events that are focused on raising awareness about HIV vaccines. From walks to lectures, there are plenty of ways to get involved.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It increases public awareness</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National HIV Vaccine Awareness Day brings attention to the importance of vaccinating against HIV and raising public awareness so that we can reduce the risk of infection. This helps to encourage more people to receive the vaccine, which is a key step in preventing the spread of the virus in our community.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It encourages research into treatments</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By recognizing National HIV Vaccine Awareness Day, we also recognize the importance of researching new treatments and medications that can help prevent or manage this disease. Researchers and scientists across the world continue to work hard to find even better ways to treat this virus, and any progress made is important for creating a healthier future for everyone.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It provides support for those living with HIV</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>On National HIV Vaccine Awareness Day, we remember not only how to prevent this virus but also acknowledge those who are living with it every day. Prioritizing education and support services for those affected by HIV helps create a safe space in our society where they can live meaningful lives without fear.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>First successful stage of an HIV Vaccine was completed in 2009</h3><p class='facts-content'>The step 1 study of the HIV Vaccine 'RV144' in Thailand displayed a 31% efficiency in preventing HIV infection, demonstrating the first-ever indication that a vaccine against HIV is feasible.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Efforts for a 'Universal' HIV Vaccine are underway</h3><p class='facts-content'>Scientists all over the world are currently working on a 'universal' HIV vaccine which intends to provide broad spectrum protection against many or all HIV strains in worldwide circulation.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>There are multiple types of HIV Vaccines in development</h3><p class='facts-content'>These include whole virus vaccines, genetic sequence vaccines and component vaccines, each capitalising on different aspects of the virus and human immune response to best combat HIV.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>HIV Vaccines have made strides despite early failures</h3><p class='facts-content'>Initial attempts to develop an HIV vaccine failed due the complexity of HIV. It's these early failures that paved the way for better understanding of the virus leading to effective vaccine development.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Public participation plays a crucial role in HIV Vaccine development</h3><p class='facts-content'>Numerous volunteers from diverse backgrounds participate in vaccine trials, contributing to the progress and eventual success of HIV vaccine research and development.</p></div></div>
National HIV Vaccine Awareness Day is celebrated on May 18th every year. In 2024, this day falls on a Saturday.
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