Could the entire population of Revelstoke, British Columbia contract Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in one day? Though geographically unlikely, it is theoretically possible. Revelstoke has a population of approximately 7 thousand. UNAIDSestimates that each day 7, 500 people acquire the virus. This causes the already staggering total of 33 million people living with HIV to grow daily.
Soon after 1981, when the virus first surfaced and was identified in the human population, scientists began working on creating a vaccination. Unsuccessful for 26 years, scientists reached a landmark in their research this month. For three years, scientists have been conducting trials of a vaccine in Thailand on 16, 000 healthy adult volunteers. At the start of the trial, half of the volunteers were vaccinated and the remainder was given a placebo. The vaccinated group proved to be 31% less likely to contract HIV. The result: an AIDS vaccine that reduced infections by approximately one third.
Although this is the most successful AIDS vaccination breakthrough to date, it is far from ideal. For the majority of national health authorities, a vaccine must be between 70-80% effective before it will be licensed. This vaccine falls short of the success rate by at least 39%. Why is the global scientific community celebrating an apparent failure?
Viewing the limited success rate of the new vaccine as a failure is pessimistic. It is the most successful AIDS vaccine ever created. Although national health authorities will not permit distribution to the general population in its current form, it may be the foundation for a more effective vaccine. Consider how this vaccine was created; Scientists combined two drugs into one new formula. Each of the two drugs used had previously proven unsuccessful in preventing the HIV virus on their own. Together, these two “failures” created the most successful AIDS vaccine yet. This “failure” can lead to bigger and better breakthroughs as well.
Often, people are unable to see failures in a positive light. But, in terms of scientific research, it is essential that this mindset be adopted. Governmental, organizational, and individual funding is the backbone of support for HIV research. If these groups do not recognize “failures” as potential leads, then funding will be withdrawn or halted. Without funding, research cannot continue. Without research, cures or vaccines cannot be discovered.
It is important not to allow oneself to be discouraged by apparent failures and lapses in findings. Major breakthroughs do not occur on a daily basis, but research happens every day. It is this research, through trial and error, that leads to the major findings. It is important to continue to support research in order to enable important scientific discoveries, such as the new AIDS vaccine. Only time and more research can tell where this important finding will lead.
By Aleksandra Sagan
Blog Writer 2009-2010, Change Tomorrow’s World
