HIV continues to be a scourge upon the world’s population, even as scientists and researchers work tirelessly to find new, more effective treatments. The key to the only current successful treatment is early detection. But what if the affected individuals live somewhere far away from a testing center or a lab? The United Nations is hoping that drone technology can help to bring early HIV testing to even the most remote locations of the world.
Understanding Current HIV Treatment
HIV does respond to antiretroviral treatment (ART). ART doesn’t cure the HIV infection, but it fights the virus so that those infected with it can continue to live. If you’re infected with HIV, antiretroviral treatments can help you live longer and feel better than you would without any treatment. In addition, ART lowers your chances of passing on HIV to others.
ART treatment typically includes a variety of medications, which you need to take every day for the rest of your life if you become infected. The sooner you start the HIV regimen after the date of infection, the better. That’s why it’s vital to get tested immediately if you think you may have been exposed to the virus. If you wait, HIV will do damage to your immune system and lead to AIDS.
ART treatment typically includes a variety of medications, which you need to take every day for the rest of your life if you become infected. The sooner you start the HIV regimen after the date of infection, the better. That’s why it’s vital to get tested immediately if you think you may have been exposed to the virus. If you wait, HIV will do damage to your immune system and lead to AIDS.
Considering the Problem of Remote Locations
Unfortunately, many of the people who are at risk for HIV/AIDS live in remote regions of the world, or areas in which transportation to an STD testing facility is too infrequent or too expensive. That’s why the United Nations is working on a plan to get those samples to laboratories using a new type of technology – drones.
Initiating the Drone Program
The children’s agency of the United Nations, UNICEF, is currently worked with Matternet, a drone company based in the United States. Matternet produces drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) which collect batches of samples from remote medical facilities. Then the drones take those samples to labs where the STD testing can begin.
Testing Drone Couriers in Malawi
The drone courier tests are being conducted in Malawi, which has just 8 laboratories that can conduct HIV tests. UNICEF is focusing on getting HIV-positive children tested within a period of 6-8 weeks post-infection. Right now, samples from individuals have to be transported by courier, often over long stretches of bad road. In some cases, roads become impassable, and the samples do not reach their destination in time. It can sometimes take up to two months for individuals to receive results back from the lab. Since the parents may have already waited for weeks before sending their child’s sample, this turnaround time puts the HIV-positive kids outside the “early detection and treatment” window. With time, UNICEF hopes that the drones can offer a quicker, more reliable delivery option for those samples, leading to shorter turnaround times and quicker access to life-saving treatment.
Getting Tested in Your Area
Whether you live in a remote area or not, HIV is a real threat, especially if you have multiple sex partners. After a possible exposure event, you need to be tested as soon as possible so that you can find out whether or not you have contracted the virus. If you live in Singapore, visit Shim Clinic right away. Our courteous, professional staff offers you swift testing with quick results and complete confidentiality. If your test comes back as HIV positive, we’ll get you started with ART treatment that can help you maintain your quality of life. If testing comes back negative but you believe you have been exposed within the last 72 hours, consider going on HIV PEP treatment to prevent infection.