Mon Dec 01 02:00:00 UTC 2025: Summary:

This article from The Hindu, published December 1, 2025, examines the history of HIV since its discovery in 1983. While antiretroviral therapy has transformed HIV from a death sentence to a manageable chronic illness, a cure remains elusive due to the virus’s unique properties: its ability to integrate its genetic material into the host’s DNA and its capacity for viral latency, where it remains dormant and undetectable to the immune system. Despite decades of research and investment, a vaccine hasn’t been developed and existing treatments can only suppress, not eliminate, the virus. The article highlights the progress made in awareness, prevention, and treatment, leading to a decline in new infections. It concludes that while a complete cure may not be attainable, continued efforts in prevention and early treatment could ultimately render HIV powerless.

News Article:

HIV Remains a Challenge After Four Decades, Despite Progress in Treatment and Prevention

The Hindu – December 1, 2025

CHENNAI – Forty-two years after its discovery, HIV remains one of the most formidable pathogens known to humankind, according to a new analysis published by The Hindu. While advancements in antiretroviral therapy have transformed HIV from a death sentence into a manageable chronic condition, a complete cure continues to elude researchers.

In a comprehensive article, Arun Panchapakesan, Assistant Professor at the Y.R. Gaitonde Centre for AIDS Research and Education, highlights the unique properties of HIV that make it so difficult to eradicate. These include its ability to integrate its genetic material into the host’s DNA and establish viral latency, allowing it to remain dormant and undetectable by the immune system.

“HIV’s capacity for both integration and latency is what sets it apart,” Panchapakesan explained. “It’s like fighting an enemy that can permanently embed itself within you and disappear at will.”

Despite these challenges, the article emphasizes the significant progress made in the fight against HIV. Increased awareness, widespread testing, and the expansion of antiretroviral therapy have led to a steady decline in new infections in many parts of the world.

“While we may not have a cure yet, awareness, prevention and continued testing can make a great change” Panchapakesan said. “This will continue to narrow its paths of transmission, making it powerless by humanity’s collective will.”

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