HIV and AIDS has been with us for several decades. In some sense the topic may be “stale” or “tired” in the minds of many of us – so called ‘HIV Fatigue” is a thing today. And yet it remains a hugely important matter. So let us remind ourselves about some of the key facts and learnings.

  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) was first identified in the 1980s. This virus ( a retrovirus) is spread through sexual intimacy (oral, vaginal, anal sex), blood transfusion, shared needles, and from mother to child during pregnancy.
  •  Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the condition that results from HIV infection. It is characterised by a weakened immune system, which in turn leads to frequent severe infections and the development of certain cancers. AIDS is generally a terminal condition.
  • For decades there was no effective treatment available and HIV was essentially untreatable.
  • For more than a decade now, Antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) have become available and proven to be extremely effective in suppressing HIV. In 2022 ARVs are so effective that the life expectancy of many patients is close to that of the general (HIV negative) population.
  • HIV is now best seen as a chronic incurable but manageable condition. The focus is on regular testing and the early commencement of ARV treatment for anyone who is HIV positive.
  • There have been a small number of patients (fewer than 10 worldwide) who have repeatedly tested HIV-negative, having been HIV positive. This has been seen as evidence of cure and does offer real hope to many even though it is rather too soon to celebrate an actual cure just yet.
  • Close to 40 million people have died from HIV & AIDS since the 1980s.
  • Approximately 40 million people are living with HIV in 2022. Of these almost half are in Africa and over 7 million are in South Africa.
  • HIV is still a diagnosis associated with prejudice and stigma for various reasons that mainly come down to ignorance and fear.

World AIDS Days is an annual commemoration held on 01 December each year. This is a time to remember those lost, to celebrate the great progress made in recent years, and to recommit to fighting stigma and any form of discrimination.

Written by Dr Colin Burns