Dear reader

It is now thirty years since the HIV virus was isolated and identified. In that time period, millions have become infected. In some countries, AIDS is the leading cause of death.

Even if a cure for HIV is not yet in sight, significant progress has been made in medically controlling the disease. Many HIV carriers can lead comparatively normal lives, which increasingly includes the ability to purchase insurance.

This selection of articles covers progress in the medical and societal battle against HIV, and how we in the re/insurance industry assess and judge HIV. I wish you an interesting and challenging read.

Yours faithfully
Annabelle Hett

The quest for an HIV vaccine

Wayne Koff and Margaret McGlynn discuss the formidable challenges of developing a vaccine against HIV, and the scientific progress that is being made in seeking to eradicate the virus. Read more »

A matter of fairness – Increasing the insurability of HIV

Christian Jaggy and Wayne Dam explain the challenges faced by insurers in providing coverage for HIV carriers and how epidemiological studies are expanding the scope of insurability. Read more »

How to reach zero? HIV/AIDS treatment in a low prevalence country

Finland has a low prevalence of HIV; but, as Kimmo Karsikas reports, being relatively unaccustomed to HIV is a considerable challenge in seeking to eradicate the disease. Read more »

The epidemiological impact of HIV discrimination

HIV prevention and HIV discrimination tend to be mutually exclusive. They should not be, argues Harry Witzthum, as HIV discrimination in itself can be understood as an epidemic. Read more »

CGD event: HIV 30 years on

Science, society and the insurance industry in action - summary and videos from the event at the Centre for Global Dialogue Read more »