Disclosure: The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to the author and do not represent the views and opinions of Global Crypto News’ editorial team.

AIDS remains a significant global health issue, often stigmatized, which can prevent people from seeking necessary help, information, or treatments to prevent its spread. Despite advancements in medical research and regular testing in developed countries, other parts of the world struggle to access these resources.

Blockchain and HIV: Addressing Privacy and Efficiency

At the 25th International AIDS Conference in Munich, various charitable and medical organizations discussed improving the current donation model to address issues related to privacy, costs, and efficiency.

Consider a young man in sub-Saharan Africa, potentially part of the LGBTQ+ community, who fears that seeking medical help could expose his status. Even with patient confidentiality, medical records can be vulnerable to cyberattacks, leading to personal information leaks, which can deter individuals from seeking help.

Blockchain as a Solution

The Elton John AIDS Foundation has adopted a new donation model utilizing Partisia blockchain technology. This technology uses smart contracts to automate fund releases based on predefined conditions, ensuring funds are used as intended and reducing the need for operational oversight. This eliminates intermediaries and provides transparency, with every transaction recorded, reducing the need for third-party auditors.

Moreover, Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) facilitates direct interactions between donors and recipient organizations, eliminating traditional intermediaries like transport companies and operations managers. This reduction in administrative costs allows more funds to reach the intended causes, although it may impact those whose jobs are no longer required.

Critically, blockchain enables privacy and anonymity, hiding identities behind a series of letters and numbers controlled by the user. Despite some user experience issues, such as miscopying addresses or losing passphrases, it offers a crucial portal for those seeking aid.

As of 2021, around 78% of people in Eastern and Southern Africa living with HIV were on antiretroviral treatment, though access varies by country. New technologies and approaches can address the lack of access, especially since 54% of new HIV infections in the region were outside key risk groups like people who inject drugs, men who have sex with men, and sex workers.

AIDS can impact anyone, but prejudices and outdated thinking continue to cause unnecessary infections and premature deaths. It’s time for fresh approaches utilizing new technologies to educate, empower, and connect people with essential resources.

Blockchain technology, often criticized as a solution in search of a problem, has significant potential in regions excluded from the technology and services available in advanced economies. Policymakers and charities must adopt imaginative approaches to tackle long-standing issues. Blockchain can address costs, friction, privacy, and data security problems, and inaction’s consequences are too high to ignore.

Stay updated with the latest news on Global Crypto News.

Post Views: 10