In 2001, Gottfried Hirnschall joined the WHO to work on the global response to HIV/AIDs, 18 years later he just retired as the director of WHO’s department for HIV and Hepatitis.

The intervening period, almost half the time we’ve been aware of the disease the fight against the infection has been characterised by scientific breakthroughs, and disappointments - but the people mobilised against the virus have changed the way the world funds global health, the way patients are included in research agendas, and saved lives.

Gottfried spoke to us during his post retirement holiday in France, and talked about his experiences, and what the legacy of HIV/AIDs will be.