ABSTRACT
This chapter traces the formation, diversification and normalization of the AIDS cause in Switzerland. It considers the interactions between the medical field, public authorities and associative space in the fight against AIDS. As in most countries, when AIDS arrived in Switzerland, the initial framing associated the illness with male homosexuality. Homosexual activists received substantial support from the recently named director of the epidemiological section of the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), Bertino Somaini. The chapter discusses the impact of the introduction of Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on the redefinition of the fight against AIDS in Switzerland. The homosexual groups supported the creation of Swiss AIDS Federation (SAF) local offices. SAF placed their infrastructure at the disposal of cantons with active homosexual groups, and members participated on a volunteer basis to ensure the prevention work continued. Thus, where homosexual groups existed, organizational and individual networks allowed for the rapid creation of local associations to fight against AIDS.
