The work of researchers, such as these National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases scientists, led to dozens of discoveries about the human immune system, cell surface markers, and molecular genetics.
Nathan Benn, photographer
Over time, the international implications of the epidemic became clear. According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, 33 million people around the world are living with the virus; 22.5 million are in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite all we…
Still controversial, needle exchange programs designed to reduce the use of HIV-contaminated needles began appearing around 1985. This street-art plaque connects the needles used by addicts to homelessness and poverty.
Since 1987, through the Names Project, over 48,000 individual panels have been created that memorialize the lives of more than 94,000 people who have died of AIDS. Each person has a quilt panel sewn by loved ones, such as this 1987 one for AIDS…
Most states still outlawed same-gender sex in the 1980s. Many Americans, deeply offended by homosexuality, objected to any acceptance of it. Some of them considered it a sin, and believed AIDS was a suitable punishment.
Donna Binder, photographer