Frontline Season 24 Episode 13 The Age of AIDS, Part II

The Age of AIDS, Part II is the thirteenth and final episode of season 24 of PBS’s investigative journalism series Frontline. It explores the impact the HIV/AIDS epidemic has had on the world since it was first identified in the early 1980s. The first part of this two-part episode chronicled the discovery of the disease and its spread throughout the world. This second part traces the global response to the epidemic and examines the progress that has been made in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

The episode begins by highlighting how the HIV/AIDS epidemic has affected different countries around the world. It takes a look at the epidemic in South Africa, where AIDS has become one of the leading causes of death. The program examines the difficulties the country has faced in trying to slow the spread of the disease, as well as the efforts of activists who have fought for greater access to life-saving drugs.

The Age of AIDS, Part II also delves into the efforts of activists and organizations to raise awareness about the disease and to push for more funding for AIDS research. It covers the work of groups like ACT UP and the Treatment Action Campaign, which fought for more effective treatments and for governments to take action against the epidemic. The program explores the impact of these efforts and how they helped to change the course of the epidemic.

One of the key themes of the episode is the role of science in the fight against HIV/AIDS. It looks at how researchers have worked to better understand the virus and how it attacks the immune system. It then examines how these discoveries have informed the development of drugs that can effectively treat the disease. The program also explores the challenges that remain, including the need for a vaccine and the threat of drug-resistant strains of HIV.

The episode also explores the social and cultural factors that have contributed to the spread of HIV/AIDS. It covers the stigmatization of AIDS patients and how this has made it difficult to implement effective prevention and treatment programs. The program examines the role of poverty and inequality in the epidemic, as well as the impact of discriminatory laws and policies.

The Age of AIDS, Part II concludes with a look at the current state of the epidemic. While significant progress has been made in the fight against HIV/AIDS, the disease still remains a significant global health threat. The program examines the challenges that remain, including the need for increased prevention efforts and better access to treatment. It also highlights the ongoing work of researchers, activists, and ordinary citizens who continue to fight against the disease.

Overall, The Age of AIDS, Part II is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of one of the most significant global health crises of our time. It is a testament to the power of investigative journalism to shed light on important issues and to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.