HIV - The Decades Long Crisis

Abstract

HIV remains a devastating global health challenge, affecting millions of lives and perpetuating societal concerns. This article provides an in-depth exploration of the origin, impact, and treatment strategies for HIV/AIDS, aiming to enhance our collective understanding and contribute to effective preventive measures. As of 2022, there are almost 39 million people worldwide who are living with HIV, underscoring the urgency to find ways to curb its spread. While there is a tendency to use HIV and AIDS interchangeably, it is crucial to understand the difference between them. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a viral infection that attacks the immune system, while AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the most advanced stage of the disease. This article traces the historical emergence of HIV, notably its transmission from chimpanzees to humans in the early 1900s, marking the beginning of a devastating global epidemic. The societal response, especially in the early 1980s, is examined, shedding light on the stigmatization associated with AIDS and the delayed governmental acknowledgment of the crisis. Detailed insights into the molecular mechanisms of HIV infection are provided, elucidating how the virus utilizes host cells to replicate and spread. The evolution of HIV testing methods is also explored, from the early ELISA tests to contemporary rapid testing and at-home self-testing kits. Presently, antiretroviral therapy (ART) stands as the primary treatment for HIV, involving a combination of drugs categorized by their resistance profiles.