HIV/AIDS continues to be one of the most pressing challenges in global health, despite substantial progress in treatment and prevention over the last few decades. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) leads to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), which severely compromises the immune system, leaving individuals vulnerable to opportunistic infections and certain cancers. This article examines the medical challenges posed by HIV/AIDS, including issues related to diagnosis, treatment, and the social determinants of health. It highlights the significant strides made in Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), which has transformed HIV from a fatal disease to a manageable chronic condition. However, challenges such as stigma, healthcare disparities, and drug resistance remain. The article also explores the current state of HIV vaccine research, and the road ahead in achieving global goals such as ending the AIDS epidemic.
