AIDS as a Chronic Disease: A New Perspective on the Epidemic

When AIDS was first identified in 1981, the medical community thought it was a plague, a virulent and unexpected disease that would soon subside. However, by the mid-1980s, it became clear that AIDS was a chronic infection, requiring a fundamentally different approach to treatment and management.

A Shift in Perspective: From Plague to Chronic Disease

In this follow-up to “AIDS: The Burdens of History,” editors Elizabeth Fee and Daniel M. Fox present a collection of essays that reexamine the AIDS epidemic through the lens of chronic disease. The twenty-three contributors, representing diverse fields and professions, use historical methods to analyze the politics, public policy, and human rights issues surrounding HIV infection.

Chronic Disease Management: A New Era in Healthcare

The federal government’s testing of drugs for cancer and HIV is examined in detail, revealing how policymakers’ choice of a historical model (chronic disease versus plague) impacted their decisions. A poignant photo essay showcases the strength and resilience of women from diverse backgrounds living with HIV, while a sensitive account of the complex relationships within the gay community to AIDS provides a nuanced perspective.

International Perspectives on the AIDS Epidemic

Several contributors offer a sampling of international perspectives on the impact of AIDS in other nations, highlighting the global nature of the epidemic. This comprehensive approach provides a deeper understanding of the complexities of AIDS as a chronic disease.

“AIDS as a Chronic Disease” is a powerful and thought-provoking collection of essays that challenges our understanding of the epidemic and its implications for public health policy, human rights, and healthcare management. Published by the University of California Press, this book is a vital resource for anyone seeking to understand the evolving nature of AIDS.