International AIDS Day

Today is International Aids Day. More than two decades have passed since the human immuno deficiency virus that causes the disease AIDS made its appearance. This has become a raging disease now. No corner of the earth has been left untouched by the suffering caused by AIDS. Lives have been destroyed, families have been uprooted and countries have been devastated. Yet there is no cure. But the situation is far better than what it was ten years ago. People afflicted with the disease can prolong their lives with the cocktail of pills developed by scientists working in various laboratories, universities and pharmaceutical companies. Interestingly in January of this year the National Cancer Institute in Frederick, Maryland hosted a conference marking the twentieth anniversary of the elucidation of the crystal structure of a protein called HIV-1 protease which aided in the development of the first drugs for this disease. I was fortunate to be a part of this endeavour. A faulty blood transfusion or a minor indiscretion or unfortunate ignorance of the facts of life may turn out to be a death sentence. Let us hope, wish and pray that we will have a cure for AIDS in the near future. In the meanwhile let us treat the afflicted people with courtesy, kindness and warmth.

Regards! - mOhana

PS: Here is a pattern especially created to mark this day. The centre represents the earth. Surrounding it are the AIDS patients in grey. On the outside are the red ribbons signifying the awareness, education and hope for a cure.