Why it’s so hard to cure HIV/AIDS - Janet Iwasa

In 2008, something incredible happened: a man was cured of HIV. In over 70 million HIV cases, this was a first, and, so far, a last, and we don’t yet understand exactly how he was cured. But if we can cure people of various diseases, like malaria and hepatitis C, why can’t we cure HIV? Janet Iwasa examines the specific traits of the HIV virus that make it so difficult to cure.

Lesson by Janet Iwasa, animation by Javier Saldeña.

[kevinchristian]

"One is immeasurably better than zero"

That's the hope that we all need.

[Noodlezoup]

The dude that got cured most feel so lucky now

[enki_guate]

As a HIV positive person who also had AIDS Status and could live this video reached deep inside me. I mostly cried at the end of the video. The "one is immeasurable better than zero" is just the hope we still keep to see one day the cure.

[angelicabutterfly]

Sending hugs to anyone who's HIV positive. The stigma surrounding an HIV diagnosis is a horrible thing to deal with.

EDIT: Jesus Christ, can somebody deal with the army of bots in this comment section??

[ajcph]

I wish to live long enough to see this miracle actually happen

[spectaclespeace]

I absolutely love Ted-ed videos. The animation is fantastic, the pace of speech is slow enough to comprehend, everything is explained in a very simple manner and it leaves me with a wonderful feeling of having understood something new. You guys are amazing!!!

[hurbig]

The sad thing is that even if we find a cure, it won't reach those people who currently don't have access to treatment.

[markharry]

I'm not usually one for over sharing but I've just finished my first week of chemotherapy and I won't lie I'm scared of how it's affecting me, but your enthusiasm for the topic helped put my mind at ease. So thank you, you have no idea how much I needed this today

[alfarezakbar]

Why her voice is so comfortable, I understood the words better than my teacher at school.

[CHERRY-ltsx]

There's been a second person cured from HIV! We're making progress.

[thaliagrace]

Love is a universal language, so to all the brave fighters out there, we love you a lot, and you are inspiring us so much by fighting the battle cause only you know how much it takes to do so. Sending virtual hugs, all the way from the other end of the screen.

[-justdoitnow]

What a beautiful line "one is immeasurably better than zero"

[LockheedMonster]

"Hope is a beautiful flower that blooms in the desert."

[himansaherath]

Such a hopeful video on a serious topic. I wish these were shown more in schools. Good job TED ED! <3

[DeceitNLie]

Recently, another person has been cured of HIV. The treatment was "extremely painful" but he was cured. Although he was cured, he said not having the treatment and just being stuck with his medicine and HIV might have been less painful or even more worth it. Either way, this a milestone to curing HIV and AIDS.

[datadoesdorian]

We will get there! I know we will. In the meantime let's work on beating the stigma around those that are positive. ✊🏾♥️

[worldreligion]

So sad. It's destroyed millions of lives it's truly heartbreaking.

[zmpwins]

A drug that has to be bought and taken for the rest of the life? Sounds like a great business for the right people, maybe that is a reason why there are no 100% perfect cure "yet".

[dastatktk]

Thank you for all your amazing hard work, thank you for helping our community and putting yourself in the Frontline to battle with the HIV virus, you are truly amazing

[pvngodn]

Can we just take a moment to appreciate this incredibly well done, beautiful animation?