ICMR Thrust areas of research in HIV/AIDS

[Guest guest]

ICMR Thrust areas of research in HIV/AIDS

HIV research is one of the areas which have been receiving the least

attention in HIV response in India. This is a typical malaise of a

bureaucracy driven HIV response, as they seldom display any

particular regard for knowledge driven HIV response. In this regard,

it is commendable that ICMR has identified thrust areas of research

in HIV/AIDS.

It is interesting to note that " Social behavioural studies " of HIV infection is

a thrust area of ICMR. Good intention, perhaps. However, any social scientist of

worth would consider this as potential `quackery'. Let Indian Council of Social

Science Research (ICSSR) or numerous departments of social sciences of various

Universities do that job.

Will NACO bother to inform the stake holders, that, what percentage of NACP III

will be allocated for HIV research? (Editorial Comment)

ICMR Thrust areas of research in HIV/AIDS

• Natural history studies in HIV infected individuals

• Identify immunological parameters for pathogenesis, progress and

therapy in infection

• Assessment of impact of intervention in mother to child

transmission

• Development of new products (vaginal microbicides) and evaluation

of efficacy of new as well as old products.

• Drug resistance pattern of the virus in different parts of the

country.

• Initiate basic, operational and preventive studies on HIV-TB

• Initiate studies on chemoprophylaxis of TB in HIV-TB patients.

• Development of HIV-AIDS vaccine and clinical trials

• Development of combined HIV-TB vaccine

• HIV/AIDS Disease Burden and Socioeconomic impact.

• Antiretroviral therapy and various aspects related to the ART.

• Social behavioural studies.

http://www.icmr.nic.in/thrust/thrustecd.htm#HIV/AIDS