Time names AIDS researcher as Man of the Year

NEW YORK (CNN) -- Time magazine picked AIDS researcher Dr. David Ho, who has pioneered the use of drug "cocktails" to fight HIV, as its 1996 Man of the Year.

Ho, scientific director of the Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center in New York, has fundamentally changed the way scientists look at the AIDS virus, Time reports in its December 30 issue, on newsstands Monday.

"Some people make headlines while others make history," Time said.

"When the history of this era is written, it is likely that the men and women who turned the tide on AIDS will be seen as true heroes of the age," the magazine said.

Ho was chosen "for helping lift a death sentence - for a few years at least, and perhaps longer, on tens of thousands of AIDS sufferers, and for pioneering the treatment that might, just might, lead to a cure," it said.

This year has seen great strides in the development of protease inhibitors, which when combined with other anti-HIV drugs often reduce the amount of virus in the blood to undetectable levels. The cost of such "cocktails," up to $20,000 a year, keeps them out of reach for many.

"Nevertheless, the world has learned this year what may be the most important fact about AIDS; it is not invincible," Time said.

Ho, in a written statement, said the credit must be shared with others.

"Our accomplishments not only reflect the efforts of the Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, but also of many other outstanding scientists and institutions active in HIV/AIDS research," said Ho, who also is a virologist and professor at Rockefeller University.

Ho called for redoubled efforts in prevention, education, and development of an effective vaccine.

Time last recognized scientists with its annual tribute in 1960, when 15 U.S. scientists shared the honor.

Worldwide, nearly 23 million people are estimated to live with HIV or AIDS, according to a recent United Nations report. Since the epidemic began 6.4 million people, including 1.4 million children, have died.

Reuters contributed to this report.

Related stories:

• White House unveils AIDS strategy - December 17, 1996
• Activists, doctors pursue AIDS cure together, for a change - October 25, 1996
• Combination of treatments giving AIDS patients hope - October 9, 1996

Related sites:

• The Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center for the City of New York
• TIME
• The Body - A Multimedia AIDS and HIV Information Resource

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