PG Diploma and MSc in Infectious Diseases

ID501 - AIDS

The first few cases of AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) were reported in the USA in 1981, among male homosexuals with no obvious risk factors for immunosuppression. The causative virus, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), was isolated in 1983 and serological tests to diagnose HIV infection became available shortly afterwards.

In less than 25 years, HIV has spread rapidly throughout the world, infecting more than 65 million adults and children, and causing 25 million deaths. Globally, HIV is now one of the leading causes of death, killing more people than any other single infectious agent. The epidemic is markedly heterogeneous, with very low prevalences in some countries, while in some African countries more than 30% of the adult population are now infected. Improvements in child mortality and life expectancy, achieved over several decades, are now being reversed. In the worst-affected countries, life expectancy has already decreased by more than 15 years.

There is no question that the HIV/AIDS epidemic is one of the most important global public health priorities at the beginning of the new millennium.

ID501 AIDS is an e-learning course featuring interactive exercises and animations of key learning points. The course is provided on CD-ROM together with a printed copy of the material and course reader.

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