AIDS: A Story of Courage and Collaboration
June 5, 2021, marks 40 years since the first reported cases of what would eventually become known as AIDS. The commitment of UCSF, the city, and the community in addressing the AIDS epidemic revolutionized the standard of care, saving millions of lives here and around the world. That legacy of leadership and collaboration continues today in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Perspectives: Parallels of AIDS and COVID-19
Four decades after San Francisco became the epicenter of HIV, the early days of the AIDS epidemic are still vivid memories for many in the UCSF community. With the collaboration of clinicians, scientists, civic leaders, community partners and activists, the city’s public health response eventually became known worldwide as the San Francisco model of care. Lessons learned in the AIDS epidemic significantly informed San Francisco’s early response to the novel coronavirus. The following are perspectives from those who are working on the frontlines to better understand, treat and prevent transmission of both viruses.
From Then Till Today
From the world’s first dedicated AIDS clinic to a program for long-term AIDS survivors, from the first patient with a rare cancer linked to AIDS to a goal of no new HIV infections in San Francisco, these are the highlights of the worldwide fight to end the AIDS epidemic. See a timeline
Invested in Our Community
From raising funds for AIDS-related charities to creating new programs in partnership with San Francisco, UCSF is committed to joining with the entire Bay Area in our commitment and contributions to ending HIV and AIDS.
