Wednesday, 1 December is Worlds AIDS Day, with the 2021 edition marking 40 years since the first cases of AIDS-defining illnesses were first clinically documented.

So how far has the science progressed when it comes to treating HIV? What is it like today for people living with HIV? Is a cure on the cards? Are there any lessons we can learn from COVID-19?

In this episode Jared Stern answers our questions and helps us better understand HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) , the virus that if left untreated, causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Jared is a PhD candidate at the Doherty Institute in Professor Sharon Lewin’s lab researching a cure for HIV. They are also the Director of Living Positive Victoria and have been living with HIV since 2015.

We want to hear from you! Help us shape future episodes of our podcast by telling us a little about yourself, how you listen to and what you'd like to hear more of in 2022. The survey is anonymous and will only take a few minutes to complete.Infection and Immunity – Evidence Explained