Is there a cure on the horizon? The HIV epidemic is now entering into its fourth decade and as of yet there is still no cure. Millions of dollars have been spent on research and study but professionals have failed as of yet to discover a permanent solution to this worldwide concern. Despite all efforts, the numbers of people being infected with this condition is still on the rise. At present, it is estimated that almost 40 million people all around the globe have the HIV virus. Faced with the dilemma of more and more people infected with the disease researchers and doctors are approaching the HIV cure strategy from two sides.

One side is directing their efforts towards helping those who have the disease and developing treatments that will prolong their life. The other area of investigation remains dedicated to the goal of eradicating the disease completely.

Those doctors working with patients already suffering from the disease are targeting a number of very specific areas, which include:

• Methods to prevent the transmission of the virus

• To impede the progress of the disease once it is in the body

• Improve the life quality of the affected person

In many cases, these treatments have been very effective, but they are obviously not a permanent solution. Patients who are treated using the HAART (Highly Active Antiretroviral Treatment) program of drugs are often required to remain on the medication for the duration of their lives.

The HAART method of treatment is very expensive and requires that a person be monitored by a physician to ensure that the drugs are able to suppress the virus. The HIV virus is highly resistant and if not monitored can become immune and block the effects of the drugs.

The other major problem with this approach to the HIV epidemic is that this treatment is not economically viable for many people in the third world. Patients suffering from HIV do not have the funds or the access to the required medications. Africa, an area that is among the hardest hit by the HIV epidemic, has neither the doctors, nor the funds to combat the HIV problem using this solution.

New research brings new hope

The second side of the attack is still focused on discovering a method of treatment that will completely eradicate the virus. Towards this goal, they are continuing to research new techniques and drugs that they hope will achieve the desired result. Researchers are learning that the HIV virus presents a number of qualities that make it an extremely challenging dilemma.

Why is this disease so difficult to cure?

The HIV virus presents a difficult target for doctors, because it can remain dormant for years. In simple terms, this means that the virus enters a person's cells and hides. Doctors cannot attack and treat a virus if they are unable to determine its exact location.

One of the ideas that doctors are currently exploring is the possibility of finding ways to force the virus to come out of hiding. The theory behind this HIV cure strategy is simple; force the virus out into the open where drugs can be effective. However, this strategy is not without its own dangers and risks. Once awake, doctors have to be certain that they will be able to eradicate the virus before it is able to do serious harm to the patient. Doctors are also concerned about the effects on the patient from the drugs that will be used to awaken the virus. Many of these drugs have very serious and harmful side effects.

Research has also shown that early treatment of the disease may give the doctors a chance to eliminate the virus before it can "hide". Fifteen percent of patients who received the HAART treatment within the first couple of weeks of infection were able to enter into a drug free remission. In other words, the patients were able to discontinue all treatments and showed no further signs of the HIV virus. This early treatment is a very positive sign and is encouraging doctors to investigate into how they can recognize the disease and offer treatment to infected people faster.

There may not be a cure yet, but research and new developments are bringing us ever closer to the time when HIV will be finally eradicated.