Can science solve the global AIDS problem?
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 20, 2026

Comprehensive & Cost Effective Laboratory Monitoring of HIV/AIDS: an African Role Model
Published on: October 31, 2010
1Dept. of Infectious Diseases, Medical Policlinic, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Pettenkoferstr. 8a, D-80336 Munich, Germany. Frank.Goebel@med.uni-muenchen.de
Abstract:
Recently, the 15th International AIDS Conference took place in Bangkok, Thailand. This conference used to be an almost exclusively science-oriented conference reporting on new developments in diagnostic tools, drug discovery, and other medical advances, making it a "must attend" event for most scientists. In the year 2000, this congress was hosted by South Africa in Durban, for the first time in a developing country - focusing on the particular needs of poor countries and also stressing that scientific approaches are not the only relevant and important aspects of this global epidemic. While many scientist (including this author) perceived the changing emphasis of the meeting with regret ("only science will solve this problem"), the immediate view on the epidemic in areas with poor resources has proven beyond doubt that HIV is far more than just a viral infection. With the latest conference taking place in Bangkok, several particular aspects were demonstrated: after Africa, Asia is the largest hot spot in the worldwide spread of HIV with the highest increase in infections. Also, this country can serve as an admirable example of political will and successful battle to constrain the epidemic despite a serious lack of resources.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Retrovirus Life Cycles
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Immunodeficiency Diseases
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...
Inhibitors of Virion Maturation and Assembly
Amebiasis

