What do you do while you wait for an HIV cure?
No one knows exactly when a cure for HIV will be found. But thousands of scientists and doctors around the world are working hard to find a solution.
The chances of a breakthrough are increasing. Perhaps it will happen within five to ten years, perhaps it will take a little longer. What we do know is that a cure is possible. A few people have already been cured of HIV and there are people who have kept the virus under control for a long time without HIV medication.
Since HIV was discovered, progress has been made in treatments. Every step brings us closer to a real cure.
On this page, there is also a video in which people living with HIV talk about their hopes and expectations for the future.
Since the discovery of HIV, a lot of hard work has gone into developing various treatments.
Before 1996:
There was no anti-HIV medication. HIV led to AIDS, a deadly disease.
Starting in 1996:
Hiv medication gave people hope. People with HIV could live longer and healthier lives, and the pills kept improving.
Starting in 2020:
Long-acting injections, or ‘injectables’, came onto the market. These injections mean you no longer needed to take a pill every day. This development can make living with HIV less stressful.
The near future
Are you curious about what the near future has in store for people with HIV? Injections can mean that you no longer have to take a pill every day.
Side effects
Fortunately, the most severe side effects of the early days are gone. But too many people still endure the side effects of anti-HIV drugs.
The influence of stigma
Do you ever experience stigma when people find out that you have HIV? How should you deal with this?
Stigma and self-stigma
Do you tell people that you have HIV? Or are you afraid of rejection and prejudice?