Over 250,000 people die every month as a result of HIV and AIDS - this is akin to a tsunami occurring every month, the man who co-discovered the virus has said.

Prof Robert Gallo of the University of Maryland, who also developed the blood test for HIV/AIDS, made his comments in the Student British Medical Journal. He gave his personal insight into the last 25 years, since the virus was discovered.

“Those early years of 1982-1985 may be regarded as representing the fastest pace ever achieved in medical science from the time of the birth of a new disease to advances in its understanding, diagnosis, prevention and therapy”, he said.

However he also highlighted his concerns, as he watched the epidemic take hold, and his initial pessimism about the prospects of treating the disease effectively.

“It’s nearly 23 years since we knew the cause of AIDS. Where are we today? Can we expect things to improve significantly?” he asked.

He believes that this is impossible to predict but emphasised the essential role still to be played by medical science.

“We have effective therapy only because of the basic research in HIV and new forms of therapy will only come from more research”, he said.

Prof Gallo said that ultimately, the answer to this virus lies in a successful preventive vaccine. While acknowledging that this is a major challenge, he said he is optimistic for the future.

“Perhaps this will be the last time that 25-year reflection is needed”, he added.

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