The document discusses how perspectives on the AIDS epidemic have evolved over time from an initial focus on viral transmission and risk behavior in the 1980s-1990s, to disease progression and treatment in the late 1990s-2000s, and more recently to impact mitigation. It analyzes how different groups have constructed different narratives around AIDS and how problem frames have shifted from risk and vulnerability to rights and threats. Key differences between AIDS and other epidemics discussed are its slow progression, invisibility, association with stigmatized behaviors, and unprecedented mobilization of affected groups that have created large-scale change.

1. Constructing AIDS: Contesting perspectives on an evolving epidemic Jerker Edström, IDS STEPS Epidemics Workshop, Dec 2008

5. Individuals ‘ Collectives’

6. Unity /order Diversity /uncertainty Individuals ‘ Collectives’