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Dr. Kim Mulvihill ReportingBill Gates says the search for a vaccine to prevent the virus that causes AIDS is now the top priority of his foundation. His foundation has contributed nearly two billion dollars to fight AIDS. Today Gates spoke at the international AIDS conference taking place in Toronto.
That breakthrough could be in the form of drugs that can block transmission of the AIDS virus. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the first reported cases of human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV. Since the beginning of the pandemic, nearly 65 million people have been infected with HIV and AIDS has killed more than 25 million people. Today, an estimated 40 million people are living with HIV.
Today, former President Bill Clinton and Gates met spoke at the conference about their efforts to learn more about the deadly disease and work towards stopping the spread of aids. Both Clinton and Gates have traveled to developing countries to learn about how the virus has ravaged such large numbers of the people.
Former President Bill Clinton: "It is difficult to imagine how the world can grow together and overcome the instabilities and inequalities of global interdependence unless something serious is done to turn the tide on AIDS."
Bill Gates, Philanthropist: "We can't wait until we have the solution to poverty to go in and take care of these health issues. In fact, by solving these health issues we do change things and let that positive cycle get going."
What they want to find is a microbicide or an oral prevention drug that can block the transmission of HIV. Microbicides are gels or creams women can use to block infections and disease. Sixteen microbicides are being clinically evaluated; five are in major advanced studies.
