Through the HIV epidemic the world has seen the worst and the best of human nature - from fear, inequality and exclusion, to hope, determination and love. Use this timeline to explore how different people have been affected by HIV over the past four decades. Read, see, and hear how things have changed around the world.
The HIV epidemic began with fear, helplessness and death as the world faced a new virus that preyed on misunderstanding and marginalisation.
Scientific advances have enabled people with access to treatment to live long and healthy lives with HIV. However, inequalities around the world continue to make it a challenge for many to access the tools and information to prevent HIV and the support and treatment to live healthily.
For most there is a lot to celebrate today. Alongside the worst of human nature we have also seen the best, with a uniquely strong global response to beat HIV. But in most places HIV is still shrouded in stigma and discrimination, and a cure for HIV remains stubbornly out of reach.
We are normal. We have hands. We have feet. We can walk. We can talk. We have needs just like everyone else – don't be afraid of us – we are all the same!”
