Charity Spotlight: American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR)

In this latest podcast in Community Health Charities' Charity Spotlight series, host Jerry Franz asks the questions "How serious a health problem is HIV" and "what role does amfAR play in research, advocacy, and education?" The answers are provided by Chris Collins, Vice President and Director of Public Policy at amfAR. amfAR is world's largest private research organization dedicated to AIDS research for prevention, treatment, and someday -- a cure.

As many already know, HIV infection can eventually lead to AIDS and there is currently no cure. There are approximately 1.1 million people in the United States living with HIV with about 56,000 new infections each year. According to Mr. Collins, the rate of new infections has not dropped in ten years. "We need to get better at diagnosing people so they can get the care they need and we need to improve our prevention efforts." Since no method of prevention is 100 percent effective at all times, testing for HIV is imperative.

If someone believes they may have been exposed to HIV, they should be tested right away. As mentioned in our podcast, testing is offered free in many health clinics throughout the United States and HIV testing methods are the most sensitive and effective diagnostic tests in all of medicine today. Testing for HIV is important for many reasons but most of all, early detection can save or prolong life for those who have contracted the virus and prevent them from passing it on to others.

To find out more about what amfAR is doing about prevention, research, advocacy and treatment of HIV and AIDS, or how to get involved with the organization, click above to view our free podcast now.

About amfAR

Founded in 1985, amfAR is dedicated to ending the global AIDS epidemic through innovative research. With the freedom and flexibility to respond quickly to emerging areas of scientific promise, amfAR plays a catalytic role in accelerating the pace of HIV/AIDS research and achieving real breakthroughs. amfAR-funded research has increased our understanding of HIV and has helped lay the groundwork for major advances in the study and treatment of HIV/AIDS. Since 1985, amfAR has invested nearly $325 million in its mission and has awarded grants to more than 2,000 research teams worldwide. To learn more about amfAR, visit their website at www.amfar.org.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• jerry franz
• health matters at work
• aids
• hiv
• amfar
• aids research foundation
• aids research
• hiv research
• employee health
• Chris Collins