AIDS turns 30 this week

Time advances knowledge, albeit slowly when fear is involved. This week marks the 30th anniversary of the discovery of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in 1981, although it wasn't so called for three more years. That's not the only thing that's changed in 30 years; the face of AIDS is today known to defy its stereotype.

The disease was first described on June 5, 1981, in the Centers for Disease Control's weekly "Morbidity and Mortality" report as a puzzling affliction in five men. Thought to be a form of pneumonia, then a "gay cancer," this immunity-destroying HIV virus which can lead to AIDS has killed 25 million men, women and children worldwide according to the CDC. It's a slow and agonizing death.

While a cure remains elusive, diagnosis no longer means an imminent death sentence, thanks to drugs, which slow its progression. Sadly those were a long time coming, perhaps longer than need be, thanks to difficulty raising funds for research programs due to prejudice and misperception.

I asked the North Idaho Aids Coalition - dedicated to education, prevention and assistance - for a local face of AIDS. Director Amy Dreps told me about Jennifer, who lives in Post Falls. Jennifer is a 43-year-old, married mother of two. In 1991 she was diagnosed with the HIV virus. By 1998 it had developed into AIDS. Jennifer takes three medications to combat symptoms and slow this progressive disease. She has her ups and downs, but Jennifer is a fighter, taking things one day at a time. Monday was an up; she said, "I feel great - today!"

The numbers have oscillated in 30 years. CDC estimates that annually at least 50,000 more Americans are infected with HIV; 1.18 million live with the virus. Compare that with 318 diagnoses in 1981. We've made some progress. In 1992 HIV diagnoses reached 75,457 and held steady until 1995 when it began to decline. Research and drug trials continue to offer hope. The latest medicines not only lengthen life, they may prevent the spread of infection.

Despite the progress, we're still taking baby steps. People still hesitate to get blood tests, although NIAC and Panhandle Health District offer them free and the earlier the diagnosis, the better the prognosis. Consider how far cancer treatments have come in a short time, thanks to well-funded research efforts. NIAC does wonders with a small staff, but if communities step up to the donor plate the way other charities are funded, AIDS could face the same fate as polio.

Jennifer waits patiently.

Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network. Email [email protected]