Aids is caused by HIV, which destroys important cells in the immune system. It was first described in 1979 and the virus was identified in 1983. Then, patients died because there was no treatment. Today there are many medicines. These allow people with AIDS to lead more normal lives. Extensive research is underway into even better medicines for the future.
Disease: Aids
Last update: June 2008
Intro
FAQ: Who gets it?
AIDS has reached epidemic proportions in parts of Africa and Southeast Asia. By the end of 2002 it was estimated that 60 million people worldwide had been infected with HIV.