MSM Leads the Fight Against the Spread of HIV and AIDS
Atlanta has one of the highest rates of HIV and AIDS in the nation according to Dr. Vincent Bond professor and chair of the Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology at MSM.
“If you go around the rest of the United States, they’re closing AIDS clinics because of the lowered rates of AIDS. Here in Atlanta, we’re opening them up,” said Dr. Bond. “It’s a serious problem in Atlanta.”
Every year on the first of December, we recognize those infected with HIV and AIDS as well as look at ways to prevent and treat the life-changing illness on World AIDS Day. Morehouse School of Medicine continues to be a leader in the treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS in Atlanta and globally.
There are dozens of doctors, research scientists and other medical professionals at MSM fighting the spread of the disease and making resources available for those infected and affected by the disease.
“Great things are going on in our silos [here at MSM],” said Dr. Bond.
Some of those things going on at MSM or involving our community include hosting the Paradigm Shift Conference in November where experts gathered to discuss advancements in HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention. A team of students and faculty from MSM raising more than $2,000 for AIDS Walk Atlanta in October. And MSM continues to work with PROMETRA testing natural treatments for the disease in a group of women in Africa.
“Morehouse School of Medicine is fairly well connected in the HIV community,” said Dr. Bond. “We’re very active and can always do more.”
Dr. Bond also notes the issue is not just getting patients on treatment, but also keeping them on those treatments so they can live their fullest lives and reduce the risk of spreading the disease.
There are a number resources available throughout metro Atlanta to help those infected or at risk. They include the Prevention Research Center at MSM, the Fulton County Task Force on HIV/AIDS, and the Centers for Disease Control. Please visit their links to learn more about each program.