In 2007, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria initiated a joint project with Magnum Photos to graphically document the impact that free antiretroviral drug treatment is having on the lives of millions of people living with AIDS internationally. The AIDS pandemic has had a terrible impact in many parts of the world – but it has been particularly devastating in countries where access to even basic health care is limited. Internationally, the story of AIDS’ terrible toll is better known than the global efforts to drive back the pandemic through treating those already sick and preventing new HIV infections.

In order to capture the complex and far-reaching changes that take place when people faced with death suddenly get a new chance at life, the photographic cooperative Magnum Photos harnessed the talents of some of the best photographers in the world. An international team of eight noted photographers traveled to nine countries to document the transformative effects AIDS treatment has had on 33 individuals and their families. In India, Haiti, Mali, Peru, Russia, Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland, and Viet Nam, the photographers created visual chronicles that encompassed their subjects’ lives both before and after the start of treatment. The resulting exhibition, curated by Bill Horrigan, director of media arts at the Wexner Center for the Arts, Ohio State University, is a powerful testament to the strength and spirit of each person, of the care and commitment of those around them, and of the lifechanging impact of the drugs—drugs which are available thanks to international funding.

After opening at the Corcoran Gallery in Washington D.C. in June, the exhibition will travel to Mexico City, Paris, London, Berlin, and Rome throughout 2008 and 2009. A large-format book will be published on World AIDS Day 2008.

Download the Access To Life Exhibition Guide (PDF)