Since its discovery in 1980, HIV has been one of the emerging viruses that presented a serious global challenge and by the end of 2015 there were approximately 36.7 million people living with HIV. In spite of the burden we have important accomplishments. By the mid-2016, 18.2 million people were already receiving antiretroviral treatment (WHO), although, tragically, there are still masses of people worldwide who do not. Antiretroviral treatment allows HIV infected people to live longer and enjoy a more fulfilling, healthier life. In addition, it has been confirmed that ART prevents onward transmission of HIV. UNAIDS, the organization of the United Nation focusing on AIDS proposes efforts to free the world from AIDS by end of 2030. Huge and trying challenges, including the emergence of drug resistance of HIV (HIVDR), or the lack of an effective vaccine, are still lying ahead. Intensive research on multiple levels focusing on the biology, epidemiology and clinical aspects of HIV and AIDS are essential for a better understanding of this “plague”. Only these efforts carry the promise that eventually we should be able to control this outbreak, and, hopefully, finally to close this chapter of infectious burdens.

The current course focuses on various aspects of the problem an average health care professional, even if not

directly involved in AIDS patients’ care, should be familiar with from basic sciences to diagnostic and treatment modalities, epidemiology and regulatory problems.