ABSTRACT
Whilst humans experience global viral epidemics with regularity, the experience, spread and responses to them vary widely. Many comparisons have been made between the Covid-19 pandemic and the HIV epidemic of the 1980s and 1990s. Whilst there are some similarities, namely that both are viral, bring significant fear and result in isolation and loneliness, there are some startling differences. This chapter explores these two situations and contrasts the global and societal response to Covid-19, marked by general co-operation and lack of stigma for infected people, with the HIV epidemic, which resulted in poor health and policy responses, shocking victim-shaming and appalling stigma. Secondly, the chapter employs the concept of biopolitics to enable an examination of the implications of state intervention in the lives of its citizens. In addition, the stigma experienced by marginalised groups during the HIV epidemic will be contrasted with the societal response to Covid-19 pandemic. Lastly, the chapter presents some lessons to be learnt from the HIV epidemic for our response to Covid-19.
