Before COVID-19, AIDS was one of the most pressing global health threats we faced.

In June 1981, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published the first medical report regarding a deadly new syndrome affecting gay men in Los Angeles. These were the first reported cases of what would become known as AIDS. In the 1980s, an AIDS diagnosis was considered a death sentence, and the concept of people with HIV living long, healthy, and productive lives was virtually inconceivable.

Now, 40 years later, much of this has changed.

Thanks to the efforts of people at every level of the global HIV community, the inspiring passion of advocates everywhere, and the miracles of modern science, HIV has been transformed for many patients from a terminal illness into a chronic, manageable condition. But even with this progress, there are still significant global challenges. Each year, 1.7 million people acquire HIV, a disproportionate number of whom belong to vulnerable and underserved communities worldwide, and many more still struggle to access crucial prevention and treatment services.

Tune in as Dr. Brian Woodfall, Global Head Development, ID, Janssen Infectious Diseases & Vaccines, and Glenda E. Gray, President, and CEO of the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Co-chair of Janssen’s Imbokodo study, and Co-chair of the South African arm of Janssen’s ENSEMBLE study, discuss the evolution of HIV, the challenges we still face and what we have to look forward to as the world marks 40 years of HIV.

The IDViewpoints podcast was created by Janssen. Guests of IDViewpoints are not compensated in any way for participation in this podcast. All thoughts and opinions expressed on IDViewpoints are those of the guests and should not be considered medical advice. If you need medical advice or have questions about your treatment or condition, consult with your doctor.