Four Decades of HIV/AIDS — Much Accomplished, Much to Do

Abstract

The dramatic saga of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) features an early sense of helplessness and frustration in the face of a mysterious new disease, courage on the part of the afflicted, and the gradual accrual of groundbreaking scientific advances that have brought hope to a formerly desperate situation. This progress began with a series of detailed epidemiologic studies, which were followed by the discovery of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as the causative agent of AIDS, and has culminated in highly effective treatment regimens that have transformed HIV from a near-certain death sentence to a manageable disease (see timeline ). Looking ahead, and considering the spectacular scientific advances that have been made over nearly four decades, it is conceivable that with optimal implementation of available prevention strategies and treatments, the end of HIV/AIDS as a global pandemic will be attainable.