HISTORY OF HIV INFECTION

Friday, March 27, 2009 | 4:59 am

From the beginning HIV infection has been politicized as have few other diseases: those infected with HIV were denied access to insurance and health care, lost jobs and housing, and became the targets of social stigma. Many people have not sought testing out of fear of these very real consequences. As we progress through the second decade of HIV infection and approach the twenty-first century, there are signs of positive change in our attitudes toward the disease and those infected with it, but there is still much work to be done. On the medical front, as we gain a clearer understanding of how this virus works and how we can better prevent and treat infection with it, hope grows that the turn of the century will bring further breakthroughs and a cure. As of this moment, there is no cure, although recent advances with medications to treat HIV infection have been very promising. Through the continued efforts of the medical community and governmental bodies to keep HIV research a top priority, and through education and the teaching of safer sex practices, there is hope of stemming the tide of this epidemic throughout the world.

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