Transforming Lives
Explore personal stories about how lives have been transformed, using individuals to represent the progress made and imagine the future. These are illustrative only.
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Present day
SARA RECEIVES VACCINATIONS
As a young child, Sara receives routine vaccinations: polio, meningitis, rotavirus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, pneumonia, TDAP (typhoid, diphtheria and pertussis), MMR (measles, mumps and rubella), BCG, yellow fever, and Hib. She receives the HPV vaccine when she is 11.
Fifty years ago...
In 1968, Sara would have received far fewer vaccines: smallpox, polio, measles, mumps and DTP (for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis).
In the future...
Sara hopes her children and grandchildren will bene t from hoped-for vaccines to protect them from malaria and HIV/AIDS.
Present day
ZAIN’S HIV/AIDS STORY
Zain was diagnosed, is able to manage his illness and can expect a near normal lifespan, thanks to starting combined antiretroviral (ARV) treatment early in the course of the infection. He now takes a one-a-day pill.
Thirty years ago...
In 1988, Zain would have had a life expectancy of just one year from diagnosis and would not have had access to combined ARV treatment.
In the future...
Zain hopes a vaccine will prevent people like him being infected with HIV and halt the spread of AIDS.
Present day
NISHA’S EXPERIENCE WITH LYMPHATIC FILARIASIS, A NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASE
Nisha receives treatment for the disease through donations received as part of the London Declaration.
Twenty years ago...
In 1998, Nisha might not have had access to treatment and would have lived with this debilitating disease all of her life.
In the future...
Nisha hopes that partnerships will continue to provide access to treatment for everyone suffering from lymphatic lariasis (LF), enabling it to be eradicated globally.
Present day
Jane's breast cancer journey
Jane discovers a lump in her breast and is diagnosed with breast cancer. The tumor is removed, followed by a course of chemotherapy, after which she undergoes hormone therapy to reduce the risk of it returning.
Fifty years ago...
In 1968, Jane would have undergone a radical mastectomy, surgically removing the entire breast and much of the underlying musculature, and her cancer would still have a high likelihood of returning.
In the future...
Jane hopes that targeted therapies will be developed that can defeat all hard-to-treat and metastatic cancers. Immuno-oncology therapies offer hope that people’s own immune systems can destroy all types of cancer cells, preserving healthy cells.
Present day
AKASH’S HEART DISEASE
Akash discovers he is at high risk of heart disease and manages his condition with cholesterol-lowering and anti-hypertensive drugs, while trying to limit the lifestyle factors that raise his risk.
Fifty years ago...
In 1968, Akash may not have been diagnosed in time to take action. Experiencing a heart attack, he would have been resuscitated with a poor understanding of the role of blood clots, and no statins, would have been treated with painkillers and monitored for abnormal heart rhythms. He then would have taken beta blockers, with the high risk of another cardiac event remaining.
In the future...
Akash hopes that digital technologies and improved understanding of biomarkers will help him to monitor his disease more closely. If he does suffer a heart attack, he hopes his heart can be fully repaired with stem cell therapy. He hopes risk factors are more readily identified and people are empowered to choose healthy diets and lifestyles.
Present day
HARU’S LIFE WITH DIABETES
Haru lives comfortably with type 2 diabetes and manages his condition through an insulin pump and medication to control blood glucose.
Forty years ago...
In 1978, Haru’s condition would have meant more complicated treatment. He would have used traditional syringes and animal insulin, without a mechanism for monitoring blood glucose levels himself.
In the future...
Haru hopes that people with diabetes will access cell treatment to restore the normal pancreas function. He wants to ensure his children have a healthier, lower risk lifestyle and can prevent diabetes with physical exercise and good nutrition.
Present day
TASMEEN AND HEPATITIS C
Tasmeen receives combination therapy over 12 weeks and is cured of hepatitis C.
Thirty years ago...
In 1988, Tasmeen would not have been diagnosed. The disease was not fully understood, no treatment options were available, and she could have developed liver cancer as a result of the virus.
In the future...
Tasmeen hopes hepatitis C will be eliminated through improved diagnosis and access to treatment.