The Institute of Human Virology at the University of Maryland, based here in Baltimore, won a major grant to work in Zambia last week to prevent mothers from passing on HIV to their children. The Institute has worked extensively in seven African countries, here in Baltimore for two decades as well as in Haiti and Guyana. The grant got us thinking: how does the institute apply its work overseas to its efforts here in Baltimore to fight AIDS? How different is the treatment and impact of the virus between Baltimore and other nations – are there surprising overlaps in how care and community support can happen here and abroad?
Here with us in the studio are two doctors from the Institute of Human Virology. Dr. Robert Redfield is Associate Director and heads the Clinical Division. He is also a professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. His research focuses on new approaches to HIV treatment. Also joining us is Dr. Alash’le Abimiku who divides her time between Baltimore and Nigeria, researching HIV prevention focusing on mothers and children. She is Associate Professor at the School of Medicine and is also Director of Laboratory Diagnostics and Research at the Institute of Human Virology in Nigeria.
