The discovery of effective medication to treat HIV infection has been a slow and long process. In fact, it was not until the mid 1990s, with the introduction of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), that the idea of living with HIV became a reality.

Then and Now

The introduction of HAART has changed the way we view HIV treatment today. HAART has switched the focus of HIV treatment from AIDS, which is becoming less common, to helping people with HIV deal with long-term illnesses or conditions. HAART has decreased deaths due to AIDS and has made HIV a disease that people can live with for years. As is the case with any other illness or condition, HIV affects people differently. If you are HIV+, there are a number of topics about which you should get more information.