HIV

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS, affects around 38 million people worldwide, according to the WHO.

Published on 12 March 2024

In brief

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS, affects around 38 million people worldwide, according to the WHO. Research is continuing its efforts to better understand this virus and develop new tools to end the epidemic.

Over the past 40 years, research has led to considerable progress in HIV prevention and testing, as well as in the care of people living with the virus. Nevertheless, this virus continues to impose challenges on researchers in the development of a vaccine or curative treatment, for example. The research teams continue to remain active in deepening fundamental knowledge about HIV, improving existing systems and developing new innovative approaches to fighting HIV/AIDS worldwide.

Research priorities

  • Research priorities as defined by our agency are:
    • Vaccine research, cure and remission (i.e. control of the virus without taking treatment).
    • HIV prevention, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), prevention of mother-to-child transmission of the virus and cases of failure of prevention initiatives.
    • HIV testing and access to treatment.

    Research into co-morbidities, including mental health, their prevention and treatment.

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