A View from the Top
We are pleased to lead this issue of Innovations with a view from the top at UNAIDS, and we’re deeply grateful to Winnie Byanyima for taking the time to respond to our interview questions. The global AIDS community couldn’t wish for a more passionate, dynamic, and insightful leader.
The HIV cure landscape continues to evolve, most notably with the most recent—and seventh—probable case of a cure, reported at the International AIDS Conference in July. The “second Berlin patient” is another instance of cure via stem cell transplantation, but with a twist.
We also report on our most recent cure-focused research grants. Among the innovative projects we are able to support with your help are studies aimed at genetically engineering immune cells to express broadly neutralizing antibodies, testing the ability of a powerful cancer drug to suppress HIV, and exploring the role of allogeneic immunity in eradicating HIV.
As an example of the many ways in which our work overlaps with and informs the treatment and prevention of other life-threatening diseases, a new amfAR issue brief recommends better integration of HIV, human papillomavirus (HPV), and cervical cancer services. HPV is the primary cause of cervical cancer, which killed 350,000 women in 2022. HIV and HPV are mutually reinforcing: among other factors, HPV infection doubles the risk of acquiring HIV, and HIV impairs the body’s ability to spontaneously clear HPV.
The fact is, amfAR’s experience and expertise enable us to confront a range of pathogens and viruses, from HPV to hepatitis to COVID-19. amfAR is thus well positioned to address the biggest health threats of today, while preparing for those that are sure to threaten us tomorrow. All this, as we continue our unrelenting efforts to develop a cure for AIDS.
As always, none of this critically important work would be possible without your generous support.
With gratitude,
Kevin Robert Frost
Chief Executive Officer
Click Here to read more from the December 2024 issue of amfAR INNOVATIONS.
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