History of HIV/AIDS

The History of HIV/AIDS refers to the period of time from the discovery of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) to the present day.

Pronunciation

HIV: /ˌeɪtʃ aɪ ˈviː/
AIDS: /ˈeɪdz/

Etymology

The term "HIV" is an acronym for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which was named for its effect on the immune system. "AIDS" stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, indicating that it is a syndrome, or collection of symptoms, that is acquired through infection with the virus.

Discovery

The first recognized cases of AIDS occurred in the United States in the early 1980s. However, retrospective studies have identified cases of HIV infection in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The virus is believed to have originated from a type of chimpanzee in Central Africa, where it was transferred to humans when they hunted these animals for meat and came into contact with their infected blood.

Spread and Impact

The virus spread globally throughout the 1980s and 1990s, leading to widespread fear and stigma. It has had a significant impact on many societies, leading to the development of various public health initiatives and policies. The World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) have played key roles in coordinating international efforts to combat the epidemic.

Treatment and Prevention

The development of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the mid-1990s has significantly improved the life expectancy of people living with HIV. Prevention strategies include condom use, needle exchange programs, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on History of HIV/AIDS
Wikipedia's article - History of HIV/AIDS

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History of HIV/AIDS