Explore the parallels between the HIV and COVID-19 global pandemics in this insightful Melbourne University Chemical Society lecture delivered by Professor Sharon Lewin AO, Director of the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection Control and Immunity. Delve into the history of emerging infectious diseases, the evolution of HIV treatment, and the ongoing quest for an HIV cure. Examine cutting-edge approaches such as latency reversal, cancer immunotherapy applications, and gene therapy in HIV research. Investigate the Doherty Institute's pandemic response, non-pharmaceutical interventions for COVID-19, and the importance of understanding super-spreading events. Learn about the latest developments in COVID-19 therapeutics, including antibody treatments and combination antivirals. Gain valuable insights into novel antiviral approaches and the lessons learned from both pandemics that can inform future global health strategies.