Last week, the FDA approved a new drug to combat AIDS that is expected to help in the global fight against the virus. The new drug combines three of the most widely used AIDS treatments into a once-a-day pill. Traditionally, AIDS patients take a variety of drugs at varying times throughout the day to combat the effects of the virus. By simplifying treatment options, patients are more likely to stick to their drug regimen and less likely to develop drug-resistant AIDS strains (which can occur if a patient misses just five percent of their recommended drug doses).

The FDA says the drug will be available as part of President Bush’s $15 billion effort to combat AIDS in the developing world. In other positive news for global AIDS treatment, Gilead, one of the makers of the new drug, plans to slash prices for its other AIDS drugs for middle-income countries, such as Mexico. In a press release praising Gilead’s move, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation argues that with all the attention focused on combating AIDS in the developing world, middle-income countries are often left paying the U.S. price tag for AIDS treatment, a price they can rarely afford.

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Today, December 1st 2008 marks the 20th Anniversary of World AIDS Day. It’s the day for individuals and organizations from all around the world to join together in the fight against the AIDS epidemic. Each country, each city chooses its own unique way to commemorate the day and here we have only a taste of the global events that will take place over the next two weeks.

2 In Montreal, Canada, the United Against AIDS Concert will be the main event. Presented by Aldo Fights AIDS in support of UNICEF and Unite for Children, the concert is to take place on November 28th at the Bell Center. Among the big names, Avril Lavigne and Sarah McLachlan (both Canadian natives) will be performing and the event will be hosted by Ben Mulroney. South of the border in New York City the Housing Works initiative is preparing for its 14th annual “Reading of the Names” Vigil. Starting midnight December 1st in City Hall Park, volunteers in groups of five will read out names of those who have lost their lives to the disease. Lasting 24 hours, the Vigil will do its part in the battle against AIDS and apathy.

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