Letter From the Editor

Dear Reader,

When did AIDS begin? For many, it was in 1981 when reports of Kaposi Sarcoma (KS) and Pneumocystic carinii (jiroveci) pneumonia were documented in gay men in the United States. Of course, the virus had probably been spreading unnoticed for quite some time before that -- with the current epidemic being established at least since the early or mid-1970s. So, the year 2006 marks 25 years of AIDS as our society has come to know it. We have made great progress in dealing with HIV/AIDS, and yet we have not been able to stem its spread nor curtail its relentless decimation of human life.

A quarter century is a long time, and certainly a sufficient enough milestone to allow for some reflection as we continue to meet the challenges this virus presents. Therefore, this issue of RITA! (a companion to this year's first issue, "HAART at 10," which chronicles the first 10 years of highly active antiretroviral therapy) focuses on voices from this 25-year-old epidemic. Specifically, these voices are of people in Houston who are dealing with HIV/AIDS personally or professionally. These are voices of doctors, patients, advocates, and survivors, including some graduates from Project LEAP (Learning, Empowerment, Advocacy, Participation), an advocacy training program funded by Ryan White Title I and conducted by The CFA. The essays are simple and unembellished snapshots representing the many different perspectives we have reached 25 years into HIV/AIDS. I hope they provide inspiration and rededication to continue the fight to end AIDS, whether by donating time, skills, or money to the cause.

In this tenth year of The Center for AIDS Information & Advocacy (CFA), RITA! has been the means by which we reflect on the meaning of 10 years of HAART and 25 years of AIDS. While we know that we have made great strides in the development of treatments for HIV disease, we also bear witness to a modern-day plague that has distinguished itself from any plague past or present. History will never forget the stigma of AIDS, the viral extinguishment of human life and resources, and the undeniable truth that a lack of political and economic will lies at the heart of why AIDS currently kills more than 8,000 a day worldwide. As a society, we will one day be held accountable for not having done more to end AIDS.

The truth is that this epidemic is complex. Its success is inversely proportional to our failures. Where educational and healthcare infrastructures are weak, the epidemic remains strong. Human conditions of poverty and marginalization provide fertile ground for new infection. To end AIDS as we know it will take much more than we are currently giving, but it is possible. Perhaps in another 25 years, we will look back on how humanity identified, contained, and cured a disease within just a half century. Who knows?

Finally, please consider supporting The CFA. Publications remain among our most expensive programs, postage and printing in particular. If you enjoy reading our coverage of HIV research and treatment developments, advocacy and policy updates, and much more, please consider a year-end gift. A donation envelope is included with this issue. We cannot continue our work without your support.