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Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a viral agent that infects and damages the human immune system. HIV can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), a chronic and potentially fatal condition characterized by the progressive failure of the immune system and the occurrence of opportunistic infections and cancers. HIV is transmitted through exposure to infected blood, sexual fluids, or breast milk. HIV can be detected with a blood test and managed with antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART is a combination of HIV medicines that reduce the viral load and preserve the immune function.
Individuals living with HIV can have prolonged and healthy lives if they initiate treatment early and adhere to it. However, HIV has no cure and remains a major global health challenge. According to the World Health Organization, there were an estimated 39 million people living with HIV at the end of 2022, 1.3 million new infections, and 630 000 deaths from HIV-related causes. The global response to HIV has averted 16.2 million deaths since 2000 and saved millions of lives.
HIV treatment involves taking highly effective medicines called antiretroviral therapy (ART) that work to control the virus. ART is recommended for everyone with HIV, and people with HIV should start ART as soon as possible after diagnosis. People on ART take a combination of HIV medicines called an HIV treatment regimen. There are many HIV medicines available for HIV treatment regimens.
The HIV medicines are grouped into seven drug classes according to how they fight HIV. The choice of an HIV treatment regimen depends on a person's individual needs. When choosing an HIV treatment regimen, people with HIV work closely with their health care provider to consider several factors, including possible side effects of HIV medicines and potential drug interactions with other medicines they take.
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