During the past twenty-six years, more money and other resources have been spent on HIV and AIDS research, care, and prevention than on any other disease in history. Despite hopes that global efforts would lead to the eradication of the disease, HIV/AIDS remains one of the central medical and human challenges of our time. To understand where we are going with this disease, it is important to understand how it began and where we are now. AIDS UPDATE 2008 presents a balanced review of current research and information on HIV infection, HIV disease, and AIDS. AIDS UPDATE 2008 places this discussion within a biological, medical, and social framework, helping readers more fully understand this devastating pandemic. Book jacket.