This work examines the HIV and AIDS pandemic; its history, research into likely genetic lineage, mutations and species crossover. This work included review of recent literature, studies and clinical research which were aimed at understanding HIV/AIDS in order to develop methods of infection prevention including; education, vaccine and genetic modification strategies. Increasing numbers of studies, trials and clinical research have been gaining recognition and provided insightful knowledge of groundbreaking approaches to fighting HIV and AIDS. To explore how the combination of recent research breakthroughs might affect the fight against the pandemic going forward, this thesis analyzed numerous literature sources and studies.