This book is aimed initially at students who want to study the history of the Aids epidemic but who currently have no starting point from which to enter the vast and often technical literature. Other readers will also find it a helpful introduction to a subject of immense contemporary importance. This book explains the origins and nature of the virus and the unique epidemic it has caused: the progress of the epidemic across the African continent; the circumstances that have made its impact so severe; the responses of governments, international bodies and NGOs; the moral and political controversies; the effect on households, social systems and economics; the care of the sick and the search for remedies and vaccines; and the impact of antiretroviral treatments. This book uses medical, anthropological and eye-witness sources but assumes no prior knowledge. Professor Iliffe has forty years experience of teaching in Africa and Britain. His books on modern African history are renowned. North America: Ohio U Press; South Africa: Double Storey/Juta

"Historians and interdisciplinary social scientists faced with the task of explaining the HIV/AIDS epidemic to their students can only be grateful to one of the most distinguished Africanist historians, John Iliffe, for his 'introduction' to the history of HIV/AIDS in Africa. Should be on the reading list of every university course that explores the complexity of health crises. For the greater readership, the book is a careful, thoughtful and respectful introduction to this complex epidemic. MEDICAL HISTORY An appropriate resource for patrons interested in researching the evolution of AIDS in Africa, this scholarly book is recommended for academic libraries. - Rebecca Raszewski in LIBRARY JOURNAL Offers an accessible account of a vastly complicated and emotional issue, filling a gap in the literature by providing historical context to the emergence of and response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa. - Alison Jenkins in AFRICAN AFFAIRS A valuable contribution that reminds us how much we have learned about HIV and AIDS from this uniquely captivating troubled continent. - Kevin M. De Cock in NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE An excellent, well-informed and readable book. INTERNATIONAL HISTORY REVIEW An excellent synthesis of the history of this epidemic. IP-GLOBAL "