Nonprofit Aims to Eliminate AIDS
Queens, NY, May 20, 2010 --(PR.com)-- May 18th was HIV Vaccine Awareness Day. On this day, Medwiser, a nonprofit organization aimed at eliminating AIDS, joined with researchers, governments and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease in supporting efforts to find a vaccine for HIV.
“The development of a vaccine to thwart AIDS would mark one of the greatest scientific achievements ever,” said Medwiser’s founder, Dr. Michael Morgenstern.
While research and development for a vaccine have been ongoing since the virus’s discovery in 1981, no effective HIV vaccine has been developed.
The development of a vaccine against HIV is important and particularly challenging to scientists. Aside from combating multiple strains of a rapidly mutating virus, an effective AIDS vaccine must also be created in a revolutionary manner. “Most vaccines are designed to mimic the body’s normal reaction to a pathogen,” said Dr. Morgenstern. “Normally, the body creates antibodies after exposure to a virus—neutralizing antibodies. However, in the case of HIV, the body does an extremely poor job of this. Because HIV threatens the lives of millions of people, allocation of funding towards vaccine development and HIV prevention are crucial.”
Until such a vaccine is available, Medwiser will do everything it can to help prevent disease through the use of technology. Additionally, Medwiser will act as a willing partner with other organizations by providing resources for prevention, education, treatment and support.
“If we can save just one life, prevent just one infection, we can have an immeasurable impact,” said Morgenstern.
Medwiser was formed twelve years after Dr. Morgenstern suffered the loss of his cousin to AIDS. “I remember feeling helpless. My mother cried, saying he was such a nice person, and he didn’t deserve to die so young—as no one does.”
Dr. Morgenstern reflected on that loss and confusion in the years following Jamie’s death and resolved that there must be a way to stop such tragic losses. “When Jamie died I felt helpless. Today, I am resolved to do something about it. But I can’t do it alone. We need to bring all that we do well, all that we know, to stop AIDS. In lieu of a vaccine, harnessing technology to fight disease is perhaps the best tool we can use to positively impact the fight against HIV/AIDS. That is what I am working on. I don’t feel helpless anymore. A world without HIV is one I believe I will see in my lifetime.”
An effective HIV vaccine is the hope of researchers, doctors, AIDS sufferers, and concerned individuals everywhere. For now, education and outreach are the name of the game. On HIV Vaccine Awareness Day, Medwiser hopes you will join with them in the fight against AIDS.
Visit Medwiser.org to find out how you can fight AIDS in a wiser—a Medwiser—way.
About Medwiser
Is there a wiser way to fight HIV? Medwiser thinks so. Medwiser’s goal is simple, yet ambitious. Help companies and organizations focused on HIV extend reach to their key audiences, while enabling individuals to contribute to worldwide prevention efforts. Medwiser isn't just providing online education. We're creating social networks—like AIDSAllyz to provide social support and reduce stigma. Apps—like HATS to increase screening and testing. Websites—like AIDSinForum where online collaboration generates customized educational content. And nonprofit solutions—like EvaluAIDS software to help evaluate and improve performance. Using Medwiser's web and mobile tools existing networks of HIV education, prevention, diagnosis and treatment will be stronger.
On the web: http://medwiser.org/Medwiser/
###
Media Contact:
Michael Morgenstern
support@medwiser.org
646-872-2747.
“The development of a vaccine to thwart AIDS would mark one of the greatest scientific achievements ever,” said Medwiser’s founder, Dr. Michael Morgenstern.
While research and development for a vaccine have been ongoing since the virus’s discovery in 1981, no effective HIV vaccine has been developed.
The development of a vaccine against HIV is important and particularly challenging to scientists. Aside from combating multiple strains of a rapidly mutating virus, an effective AIDS vaccine must also be created in a revolutionary manner. “Most vaccines are designed to mimic the body’s normal reaction to a pathogen,” said Dr. Morgenstern. “Normally, the body creates antibodies after exposure to a virus—neutralizing antibodies. However, in the case of HIV, the body does an extremely poor job of this. Because HIV threatens the lives of millions of people, allocation of funding towards vaccine development and HIV prevention are crucial.”
Until such a vaccine is available, Medwiser will do everything it can to help prevent disease through the use of technology. Additionally, Medwiser will act as a willing partner with other organizations by providing resources for prevention, education, treatment and support.
“If we can save just one life, prevent just one infection, we can have an immeasurable impact,” said Morgenstern.
Medwiser was formed twelve years after Dr. Morgenstern suffered the loss of his cousin to AIDS. “I remember feeling helpless. My mother cried, saying he was such a nice person, and he didn’t deserve to die so young—as no one does.”
Dr. Morgenstern reflected on that loss and confusion in the years following Jamie’s death and resolved that there must be a way to stop such tragic losses. “When Jamie died I felt helpless. Today, I am resolved to do something about it. But I can’t do it alone. We need to bring all that we do well, all that we know, to stop AIDS. In lieu of a vaccine, harnessing technology to fight disease is perhaps the best tool we can use to positively impact the fight against HIV/AIDS. That is what I am working on. I don’t feel helpless anymore. A world without HIV is one I believe I will see in my lifetime.”
An effective HIV vaccine is the hope of researchers, doctors, AIDS sufferers, and concerned individuals everywhere. For now, education and outreach are the name of the game. On HIV Vaccine Awareness Day, Medwiser hopes you will join with them in the fight against AIDS.
Visit Medwiser.org to find out how you can fight AIDS in a wiser—a Medwiser—way.
About Medwiser
Is there a wiser way to fight HIV? Medwiser thinks so. Medwiser’s goal is simple, yet ambitious. Help companies and organizations focused on HIV extend reach to their key audiences, while enabling individuals to contribute to worldwide prevention efforts. Medwiser isn't just providing online education. We're creating social networks—like AIDSAllyz to provide social support and reduce stigma. Apps—like HATS to increase screening and testing. Websites—like AIDSinForum where online collaboration generates customized educational content. And nonprofit solutions—like EvaluAIDS software to help evaluate and improve performance. Using Medwiser's web and mobile tools existing networks of HIV education, prevention, diagnosis and treatment will be stronger.
On the web: http://medwiser.org/Medwiser/
###
Media Contact:
Michael Morgenstern
support@medwiser.org
646-872-2747.
Contact
Medwiser
Michael Morgenstern, MD
646-872-2747
medwiser.org
Michael Morgenstern, MD
646-872-2747
medwiser.org
Contact
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