The 2BeatHIV Project http://2beathiv.org Own the Cure. Mon, 18 Sep 2017 19:02:03 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://2beathiv.org/files/2016/04/cropped-2BeatHIV_FBprofile-32x32.png The 2BeatHIV Project http://2beathiv.org 32 32 Participate in 2BeatHIV’s HIV testing crowdsourcing contest! http://2beathiv.org/2017/09/participate-in-2beathivs-hiv-testing-crowdsourcing-contest/ Mon, 18 Sep 2017 18:33:45 +0000 https://2beathiv.org/?p=799 To participate in the contest online, complete this form:

For a chance to win a prize, take the evaluation survey at tinyurl.com/2BeatHIVtestingcontest

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9 Myths about HIV Cure Debunked http://2beathiv.org/2017/04/9-myths-about-hiv-cure-debunked/ Mon, 24 Apr 2017 19:14:37 +0000 https://2beathiv.org/?p=795 Continued]]> 9 HIV Cure Myths Debunked

A few months ago, a man living with HIV reached out to the 2BeatHIV project to learn more about HIV and HIV cure research. The 2BeatHIV project is a research project at UNC Chapel Hill that uses crowdsourcing to identify new ideas from community members, organizations, and businesses about ways to engage the public about HIV cure research. He told us that he was scared to get on medication because of all of the myths he heard about what the medicine could do to him. Specifically, some people told him that a bee sting could cure HIV. Unfortunately for this young man and others like him, myths about HIV cure do more damage that the actual disease.

Myths about HIV cure are fairly common around the world, including the United States. Indeed, there is a belief among some African Americans living with HIV (PLWH) that the government is purposefully withholding an HIV vaccine or cure from the public. Some PLWH also believe that dietary supplements and alternative medicine will cure HIV. Given the pervasive nature of HIV cure myths, it is important to know the facts about the current state of HIV cure research and try to address some of the most common myths.

Here are the 9 most common questions and myths we have encountered through our work and in US popular culture.

Myth 1: There is a cure for HIV.
There is no cure for HIV. There is one documented case of Timothy Ray Brown being cured, but we do not know how to safely replicate those findings in other humans yet. Check out searcHIV’s interview with HIV-cured Timothy Brown.

Image result for timothy ray brown
Myth 2: Scientists have never used Timothy Brown as a research case to find a cure.
Scientists are currently examining multiple strategies to cure HIV based on findings from Timothy Brown. This short video describes one of the strategies being explored at the HIV Cure Center at UNC Chapel Hill:

UNC Science Short: Can ‘kick and kill’ cure HIV?

Myth 3: Timothy Brown is the only person that can be cured.
You can learn about all of the clinical trials being done to develop a cure that can be used on a mass scale:

amfAR “The Countdown to a Cure for AIDS”

AVAC – Cure

The Body’s HIV/AIDS Cure Research Resource Page

Myth 4: Magic Johnson is cured of HIV.
Magic Johnson is not cured of HIV. He has repeatedly said he still has HIV and is taking medication to manage the disease. He is taking the same medication all people living with HIV are taking. His viral load is “undetectable” because he consistently takes his medication. Why Do People Still Think Magic Johnson Doesn’t Have HIV?

Image result for magic johnson

Myth 5: Having an “undetectable” viral load means someone is cured of HIV.
An HIV-positive person can achieve undetectable levels after undergoing antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, there is still HIV virus that “sleeps” in hiding places throughout the body. Once a person stops medication, they will experience a rebound of HIV viral replication. Scientists are trying to find a way to eliminate the remaining dormant virus so people will no longer have to take medication.

Check this article to learn more:
HIV-Positive and ‘Undetectable’: What Does It Really Mean?

Myth 6: Pharmaceutical companies are withholding a cure from the public to make money on treatment medication.
Pharmaceutical companies are investing millions of dollars into research to find a cure for HIV. They are currently investing millions of dollars into providing “HIV treatment as prevention.” This means that people living with HIV who consistently take their medication are over 90% protected from passing the virus to HIV negative partners. Pharmaceutical companies also provide an HIV prevention pill called PrEP, which can protect HIV negative people over 90% from getting HIV.

There will continue to be a market for HIV prevention, treatment, and cure as long as the possibility of infection exists.

Check this article that explains the role of pharmaceutical companies in HIV cure research:
The For-Profit HIV Cure Research Crunch

Myth 7: The government is using HIV to control the population.
The United States federal, state, and local governments have dedicated millions of dollars to HIV prevention and treatment over the past 30 years. Governments can, and often do, choose to partner with non-profits to do HIV-related work.

Check this site for a timeline of HIV/AIDS and the role of the US government in helping fight the epidemic.

Myth 8. A holistic diet and lifestyle alone can cure HIV.
While holistic medicine, spirituality, and a healthy diet can supplement HIV treatment, it is NOT enough to cure HIV. The virus attacks the immune system and needs anti-retroviral drugs to fight off the infection.

Read an explanation here:
Alternative (Complementary) Therapies for HIV/AIDS: Entire Lesson

Myth 9: Black doctors have already found a cure but it is being suppressed.
No one has found a cure for HIV yet. There is a diversity of doctors and scientists, including Black doctors from countries in Africa and those in the United States, who are examining multiple strategies to cure HIV across the world. Racial/ethnic diversity is welcome because people with different perspectives can help address the myriad issues related to finding a cure for HIV.

To learn more about how you can be involved in finding a cure for HIV, visit these websites:

2BeatHIV.org
amfAR.org
AVAC.org
delaneycare.org

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Dr. Allison Mathews & Kimberly Knight to speak at Women’s Empowerment 2017!! http://2beathiv.org/2017/04/dr-allison-mathews-kimberly-knight-to-speak-at-womens-empowerment-2017/ Wed, 19 Apr 2017 02:19:05 +0000 https://2beathiv.org/?p=785 IMG_3575

 

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Interview with Dr. Anthony Fauci at AIDS 2016 – Durban, South Africa http://2beathiv.org/2017/04/interview-with-dr-anthony-fauci-at-aids-2016-durban-south-africa/ Wed, 19 Apr 2017 02:10:01 +0000 https://2beathiv.org/?p=782 Continued]]> Last year, we interviewed Dr. Anthony Fauci, who is the Director of the NIH National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Disease, at the “Towards an HIV Cure Symposium” as a part of the International AIDS Society Meeting in Durban, South Africa. Check it out!

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Dinner with Joe, Stuart & 2BeatHIV Community Champions http://2beathiv.org/2017/04/dinner-with-joe-stuart-2beathiv-community-champions/ Wed, 19 Apr 2017 02:07:44 +0000 https://2beathiv.org/?p=779 Continued]]> It was great to have dinner with our PIs (bosses), Joe and Stuart, and say thank you to our community advocates! Joe, Director of UNC’s Project China, traveled from China and Stuart, Prof in Social Medicine, came from Kenya, so this was an especially exciting moment for the @2beathiv family. #crowdsourcing #communityengagement #clinicaltrials #hivcure #2BeatHIV #untilthecure

 

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Keeping the Ground Watered: Nourishing Community Engagement throughout the Research Continuum http://2beathiv.org/2017/02/keeping-the-ground-watered-nourishing-community-engagement-throughout-the-research-continuum/ Tue, 28 Feb 2017 15:10:58 +0000 https://2beathiv.org/?p=767 SPES_Stakeholder Engagement Workshop 03.10.17 RB KA

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Vicissitude Productions http://2beathiv.org/2017/02/vicissitude-productions/ Thu, 09 Feb 2017 16:56:40 +0000 https://2beathiv.org/?p=759 Vicissitude Productions, led by JC Polk, prides itself in utilizing creative imagery to re-create the highs’n’lows of life as we see it. Follow me @JCPolkRVA or email at vstudeproductions@gmail.com

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Full Flight Media, LLC http://2beathiv.org/2017/02/full-flight-media-llc/ Thu, 09 Feb 2017 16:50:01 +0000 https://2beathiv.org/?p=756 Continued]]> full flight media llcFull Flight Media, LLC

Contact: jc@fullflightmedia.com

Full Flight Media is an aerial media production company based out of Chapel Hill, NC. We are focused on providing clients with breathtaking and functional videography and photography. Our team has years of experience in film and photography, public television production, and post-production editing. We are excited to combine our skills with your ideas and take your projects to a new height.

We operate within the bounds of the FAA’s small unmanned aircraft regulations (Part 107). All drone operators possess Remote Pilot Airman Certificates with a sUAS rating. Full Flight Media puts safety as a top priority.

https://vimeo.com/fullflightmedia

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Radio One Raleigh http://2beathiv.org/2017/02/radio-one-raleigh/ Thu, 09 Feb 2017 16:46:41 +0000 https://2beathiv.org/?p=751 Continued]]> k975 logo2K97.5 is the Triangle’s Number #1 Station for the Hottest Hip Hop and R&B.

the light logo2-11

The Light, Christian radio station in Raleigh broadcasts Contemporary Christian music.

Foxy 107.1 wfcx_logo

Foxy 107.1/104.3 is the Triangle’s Urban Adult Radio Station, featuring R&B and Classic Soul.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Triangle Empowerment Center, Inc. http://2beathiv.org/2017/02/triangle-empowerment-center-inc/ Thu, 09 Feb 2017 16:33:19 +0000 https://2beathiv.org/?p=746 Continued]]> TriangleEmpowermentCenterHeader

Triangle Empowerment Center, Inc.

Contact: triangleempowermentcenter@yahoo.com

We are a local nonprofit community-based organization that serves the Durham, Raleigh, Chapel Hill and surrounding area. Our organization mainly focuses on minority rural health disparities. We also hold events for our regular clients.

Our events are divided into 3 categories: fun social event, educational events, and volunteering. We do things like bowling, movies, dinners, game nights, dancing, mini-golf, beach trips, retreats, cook outs, volunteering, seminars, workshops, etc. Our events are drug free and alcohol free.

 

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