AIDS Crisis

The AIDS crisis refers to the widespread outbreak of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), a disease caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), particularly prominent in the 1980s and 1990s. Initially misunderstood, it disproportionately affected marginalized communities, leading to stigma and fear. The crisis prompted urgent public health responses, including education, research, and the development of antiretroviral therapies, which transformed HIV from a fatal illness to a manageable chronic condition. Ongoing efforts focus on prevention, treatment access, and combating stigma, as millions globally continue to live with HIV/AIDS today.