Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)

This chapter traces the history of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from its origins, remarkable scientific advances, and unprecedented global responses through to the current state of the epidemic, progress towards ending acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and remaining challenges. It explains the origins of HIV-1 and HIV-2, the development of a surveillance system, and the viral structure. It outlines different antiretroviral drugs used in the treatment of HIV infections, and current drug research. The prevention of both mother-to-child transmission and sexual transmission is outlined, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use. The development of modern technologies and social media to help people living with HIV is covered. Programmes to modify behaviour and reduce risk from injecting drug use are explained.