Advances in HIV prevention and treatment: A literature review

Background: The last decade has witnessed several advances in the management of HIV/AIDS with the development of potent and safe antiretroviral drugs and new HIV prevention technologies. Objective: This review summarizes the recent advances in the management of the HIV infection. Methods: Medline via PubMed and Google search engine were searched for articles dealing with antiretroviral therapy and new prevention technologies. Results: The understanding of the lifecycle of the HIV was a turning point that provided researchers with the knowledge and tools needed to prosecute drug discovery efforts focused on targeted inhibition with specific pharmacological agents. New prevention technologies continue to expand the current toolbox, transforming HIV/AIDS from an inevitable lethal disease into a manageable condition. The integration of behavioral, biomedical and structural interventions will likely reduce the incidence of HIV while promising new leads for an effective HIV vaccine keep the hope of a world free of HIV alive. Conclusion: Although the fight against HIV has been long and arduous, many signs seem to suggest that ending HIV epidemic is not only possible; it is well in our reach.Journal ArticleFinal article publishe

Correlates of HIV testing among men from the Democratic Republic of Congo: An analysis of the 2014 Demographic Health Survey

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing is a cornerstone in preventing HIV infections and accessing treatment for HIV. However, HIV testing remains low among men in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The purpose of this study was to assess the correlates of HIV testing among men in the DRC. Data from the 2014 DRC Demographic Health Survey were analyzed to assess the relationships between HIV testing and the correlates of HIV testing among 7830 men aged 15-59 years. Although more than half (4763 or 63.7%) knew of an HIV testing site, only one-sixth (1187 or 16.6%) reported ever being tested for HIV. The multivariate logistic regression indicated that men aged between 25 and 34 years were more likely to have tested for HIV than those aged between 15 and 24 years (aOR = 1.70; 95% CI: [1.23-2.34]). In addition, men with college experience were 5.47 more likely to have tested for HIV than men with no formal education (aOR = 5.47; 95% CI: [2.53-11.84]). The results highlight the need for a national HIV testing awareness and uptake campaign for Congolese men to increase HIV testing among this group and prevent HIV infections.Journal ArticlePublishe