In June 1981, a US medical journal published the first sketchy details of a disease which came to be known as Aids.
In the 40 years since then, 33 million people have died as a result of Aids-related illnesses.
The Irish Times's London editor Denis Staunton describes the fear and uncertainty of the early days of the Aids crisis and draws parallels with the coronavirus pandemic today.
Dr Kim Roberts, a virologist at Trinity College Dublin, explains the origins of HIV/Aids, the scientific advancements that mean it is no longer a death sentence for those who can access the right drugs and why there is still much work to be done to end the epidemic.
Presented by Conor Pope
Produced by Declan Conlon, Jennifer Ryan and Suzanne Brennan
Theme music by Hugh Rodgers
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