It’s been 30 years since scientists discovered HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. At the height of the American AIDS epidemic in the 1980's and early 1990's, an HIV positive diagnosis was essentially a death sentence. Today, advances in treatment have greatly improved outcomes for people living with HIV, but the pandemic is far from over. We still have around 800 new infections every year in Michigan alone. One of the goals of this this year’s World AIDS Day is to create an “AIDS-free generation.”
Current State speaks with journalist and activist Todd Heywood, and Karen Krzanowski, Manager of HIV and STD prevention at the Michigan Department of Community Health.