HIV/AIDS cure possible in 5 to 10 Years: Karim

The Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) has expressed optimism about the potential for a cure for HIV/AIDS within the next five to ten years.

Globally, around 40 million people are living with HIV/AIDS, including 7.8 million in South Africa, which has the largest antiretroviral treatment program in the world.

Speaking at a World AIDS Day event in KwaZulu-Natal, CAPRISA Director Professor Salim Abdool Karim outlined ongoing strategies to combat the virus.

“I think a vaccine is still too far away; there are many interesting new approaches, especially new approaches but I think that’s still a long road before we see a vaccine. I’m more optimistic that we may see a cure within the next 5 to 10 years. There are efforts using antibodies with antiretrovirals, so I’m a bit more optimistic that a cure may become available,” Karim said.

World Aids Day: “I’m anticipating a cure in 5 to 10 years” – Prof. Karim