When we think of conflict, the phrase “10 inspiring stories” instantly reminds us that even amid devastation, humanity can shine. To quote a famous anti‑war song, “What is it good for?—Absolutely nothing!” War is brutal, but scattered throughout its grim chapters are uplifting anecdotes of bravery, forgiveness, and unexpected generosity.

10 inspiring stories of hope

10 The POW Who Forgave His Torturer

Eric Lomax could have harbored endless hatred toward Takashi Nagase after surviving the horrors of the Burma‑Siam Railway as a British POW in 1942. Captured in Singapore, Lomax endured brutal treatment by Japanese captors, most notably when they discovered his clandestine radio and map, prompting Nagase—a translator—to threaten his life.

Decades later, when the two unexpectedly met in Thailand in 1989, Lomax initially plotted revenge. Yet in a profoundly moving encounter, he chose forgiveness, recognizing that Nagase, too, had suffered under the war’s relentless pressure.

Post‑war, Nagase converted to Buddhism, aided Allied teams in locating mass graves, built temples, funded schools in Thailand, and became a vocal critic of Japan’s militaristic past. Lomax later reflected, “sometimes, the hating has to stop,” finding peace through forgiveness.

9 The Confederates Had A Massive Snowball Fight

Even hardened soldiers can’t resist the joy of a good snowball fight. During two heavy snowfalls in February 1863, Confederate troops camped at Rappahannock Academy near Fredericksburg, Virginia, turned the battlefield into a winter playground.

The brawl ignited when North Carolinian forces under General Hoke launched a snowball barrage at the Georgians. Nearly every Confederate—about 10,000 men—joined the fray, reinforcing the Georgians and forcing the attackers to retreat.

Later, the Georgians counter‑attacked, but the North Carolinians had stockpiled enough snowballs to overwhelm them. Though the North Carolinians technically won, they allowed the defeated Georgians to return to their camp, showcasing a surprising moment of mercy amid war.

8 Returning A Fallen Enemy’s Personal Effects To His Fiancé

Erwin Rommel, famed for his tactical brilliance, also demonstrated humanity. In 1946, a German engineer named Gernot Knopp penned a heartfelt letter to Dorothy Bird, the fiancé of British pilot William Ross, who had perished during a 1941 anti‑aircraft barrage over eastern Libya.

Knopp not only described Ross’s courageous death but also sent his personal effects and a photograph of his final resting place. Rommel himself attended Ross’s burial, honoring the fallen aviator with full military rites.

Although Bird already knew of Ross’s fate, receiving these intimate details and belongings provided a measure of closure and comfort, illustrating compassion beyond the battlefield.

7 Japanese Ace Spares A Civilian Plane

Saburo Sakai, a Japanese ace credited with 64 kills, faced a moral crossroads during a 1942 sortie over Java. Spotting a civilian aircraft packed with women and children, he initially intended to shoot it down.

Upon closer inspection, Sakai recognized a woman resembling a former teacher, Mrs. Martin. Moved, he signaled the pilot to continue and later deceived his superiors, claiming the plane had escaped.

After the war, Sakai sought out the passengers, befriending the very American pilots he once fought, turning a wartime act of restraint into lasting friendship.

6 Penguin Colonies Made Safe By Landmines

War’s collateral damage extends to wildlife, yet some creatures find unexpected refuge. During the Falklands War, Argentine forces mined the islands to deter British invasion. After hostilities ceased, penguins colonized these minefields.

Being too light to trigger the explosives, the birds flourished in these accidental sanctuaries. The fenced‑off zones also allowed other flora and fauna to recover from human overgrazing and habitation.

Even though Argentina has offered to clear the mines, island residents prefer leaving them untouched, believing it’s safer not to disturb the newfound wildlife havens.

5 Japanese Pilot Honored By City He Bombed

Nobuo Fujita remains the sole Japanese pilot to bomb the U.S. mainland, dropping incendiary bombs on Brookings, Oregon’s forests in 1942. Anticipating hatred, he was instead greeted with warmth when the town invited him back two decades later.

Fujita carried his family’s centuries‑old sword, prepared to commit seppuku if demanded. Instead, the community showered him with goodwill, prompting him to gift the sword as a symbol of reconciliation.

He later championed U.S.–Japan friendship, donating books to the local library and financing trips home. In 1997, Brookings honored him with honorary citizenship shortly before his death.

4 German Captain Recommends An Award For His Enemy

German captain Helmuth Haye displayed remarkable sportsmanship during the Norwegian Campaign of April 1940. While commanding the heavy cruiser Admiral Hipper, he encountered the British destroyer Glowworm, which was valiantly engaging two German destroyers.

After bombarding Glowworm and setting it ablaze, Haye watched Captain Gerard Roope turn his crippled ship around and ram the German cruiser. The destroyer sank, but Haye rescued over a hundred of its crew, including Roope.

Impressed by the British tenacity, Haye sent a Red Cross‑mediated letter recommending that Roope receive the Victoria Cross, the British equivalent of the Medal of Honor. The British honored Roope posthumously after the war.

3 The Miracle Babies Of Kaufering Concentration Camp

Kaufering, an auxiliary camp of Dachau, witnessed an extraordinary miracle: seven babies born to Hungarian‑Jewish mothers survived the horror of the Holocaust unharmed.

The expectant mothers concealed their pregnancies to avoid execution or transfer. Fellow prisoners covertly cared for the infants, while a Jewish woman overseeing the camp endured a severe beating for bringing a stove to the mothers’ quarters, helping them survive the harsh winter.

When U.S. troops liberated the camp, they were greeted by the sight of healthy mothers and their newborns amidst the grim remains of other prisoners, offering a poignant reminder of life’s resilience.

2 Judy—World War II’s Only Animal POW

Judy, a purebred English pointer, served as the Royal Navy’s mascot and became the only animal officially registered as a prisoner of war. Stationed at the Medan camp in North Sumatra, she scavenged extra food for inmates and intervened to stop guards from beating prisoners.

Judy formed a bond with pilot Frank Williams. To protect her, Williams bribed the in‑ebriated camp commandant with one of her puppies, securing her POW status.

After a torpedoed ship separated them in June 1944, Judy rescued stranded prisoners by ferrying them toward floating debris. Reunited three days later, she continued to serve alongside Williams, later receiving a medal for her heroism.

1 Japan Sheltered Thousands Of Jews

During World War II, Japan extended sanctuary to thousands of fleeing Jews, driven by a belief that Jewish expertise could aid their own ambitions. Despite Nazi protests, the Japanese permitted refugees to settle in Shanghai and other occupied territories.

Although Germany eventually pressured Japan to establish a ghetto in Shanghai, the Japanese‑run area avoided the starvation and persecution typical of European ghettos. Most Jews residing there survived the war relatively unharmed.

This unexpected act of protection highlights how compassion can surface even among nations aligned with oppressive regimes.

When you hear “10 big screen” you might picture blockbusters that shattered records, but sometimes the most motivating stories come from films that missed the cash‑register entirely. While a disappointing box‑office haul doesn’t always reflect a movie’s artistic merit, there are plenty of flicks that stumbled financially yet still manage to lift spirits, teach resilience, and spark hope. Below we count down ten such cinematic underdogs that, despite their initial flop status, have proven surprisingly inspiring.

10 Slow Dancing in the Big City

The 1978 romantic drama Slow Dancing in the Big City earned the dubious distinction of being a major box‑office failure. Its core revolves around the unlikely partnership between a talented but ailing young ballerina, Sarah Gantz, and a down‑on‑his‑luck newspaper columnist, Lou Friedlander. Marketing teams even likened it to Rocky, hoping to ride the wave of the earlier underdog triumph. Both movies share director John G. Avildsen, composer Bill Conti, and a classic rise‑against‑the‑odds storyline.

Unfortunately, the film never captured the same magic as its predecessor. Paul Sorvino’s Lou often appears as a pushover, and newcomer Anne Ditchburn’s performance as Sarah betrays inexperience. The stripped‑down aesthetic that made Rocky feel gritty fell flat here, leaving audiences unmoved. Yet the movie remains watchable and, in its own way, pushes viewers toward perseverance.

Roger Ebert summed it up nicely, calling it “a cheerful world of big hearts, brave tears, and happy endings that make you blow your nose.” It may be melodramatic, but its earnestness offers a warm, if over‑the‑top, dose of inspiration.

9 Author! Author!

Al Pacino earned a Golden Globe nod for his turn as playwright Ivan Travalian in the 1982 comedy Author! Author!, yet the film crashed spectacularly with critics and moviegoers alike. The plot tracks Ivan’s frantic attempts to mount a new Broadway play while scrambling to raise his blended family after his unfaithful wife, Gloria, walks out. Adding further chaos, Ivan embarks on an affair with the free‑spirited actress Alice Detroit.

Released alongside action juggernauts like First Blood and Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, the timing hurt its box‑office prospects. The narrative suffers from a lack of focus, juggling too many sub‑plots for the audience to follow. Nonetheless, Pacino’s portrayal shines—offering a heartfelt, tender departure from his usual hard‑edged roles. His devotion to the reluctant kids is palpable, earning audience sympathy.

Despite its unevenness, the film’s core message about balancing creative ambition with family responsibility resonates, making it a hidden inspirational gem.

8 The Rewrite

Hugh Grant, a staple of romantic comedies, stars in the 2014 film The Rewrite, which straddles the line between a light‑hearted rom‑com and a serious tale of personal reinvention. Grant plays Keith Michaels, a once‑successful screenwriter whose career has sputtered after a single blockbuster hit years earlier. Financial pressures force him to accept a teaching gig at Binghamton University, where his unorthodox methods almost get him fired.

Surprisingly, Keith discovers a genuine passion for mentoring students, forcing him to choose between returning to Hollywood or staying in academia. The film sprinkles in humor and a sweet romance with single mother Holly (Marisa Tomei), but its heart lies in the journey of self‑discovery and the courage to start over.

Although The Rewrite stumbled commercially and received tepid reviews, its message about embracing new horizons and finding purpose beyond past glories makes it an uplifting watch.

7 Lost in Yonkers

The 1993 dramedy Lost in Yonkers adapts Neil Simon’s Pulitzer‑winning play, spotlighting a chaotic WWII‑era family in Yonkers, New York. Featuring stellar performances from Mercedes Ruehl and Irene Worth—reprising their Tony‑winning stage roles—the film still failed to attract a broad audience. It follows brothers Jay and Arty, who spend a summer under the roof of their eccentric relatives.

Co‑starring Richard Dreyfuss, the story centers on Aunt Bella, a childlike figure dreaming of her own home, only to be thwarted by her domineering mother. The narrative swings between farce, poignancy, heartbreak, and ultimately, inspiration as Bella claims her independence.

Its off‑beat charm may have limited its mainstream appeal, but the film’s bittersweet tone and resilient characters make it a rewarding, inspirational experience for those who give it a chance.

6 Beautiful

The dramedy Beautiful (2000) stars Minnie Driver as Mona, a professional beauty‑pageant contestant whose life is upended when her roommate Ruby—posing as the child’s mother to keep Mona eligible for competition—gets arrested. Mona is forced into real motherhood, caring for her young daughter Vanessa, and must confront lingering trauma from her own troubled upbringing.

Through this unexpected responsibility, Mona learns the value of authentic family bonds over superficial fame. Although the film didn’t turn a profit, its heartfelt narrative delivers a powerful reminder that love and commitment can triumph over ambition.

Its blend of humor, drama, and emotional depth makes Beautiful a feel‑good story that champions family above all else.

5 84 Charing Cross Road

The 1987 film 84 Charing Cross Road pairs Anne Bancroft’s brash New York writer Helene Hanff with Anthony Hopkins as the meticulous London bookseller Frank Doel. Though the source material—a bestselling autobiographical book—earned critical praise, the movie never became a box‑office hit.

Nevertheless, the film’s true inspiration lies in the long‑distance friendship forged through letters and rare book requests. Helene’s relentless pursuit of obscure volumes and Frank’s talent for securing them bind them in a meaningful relationship that never required a face‑to‑face meeting.

Based on real events, the story underscores how shared passions can create deep connections, even across continents, making it a quietly uplifting watch.

4 Children of Men

The 2006 dystopian thriller Children of Men, adapted from P.D. James’s novel, presents a bleak future where humanity can no longer reproduce. Clive Owen stars as Theo Faron, a disillusioned former activist turned bureaucrat, who agrees to escort a miraculously pregnant woman to a sanctuary at sea.

Julianne Moore portrays Julian, Theo’s radical ex‑girlfriend, whose re‑entry into his life reignites his drive to fight for a hopeful future. Theo’s transformation—from cynic to courageous protector—embodies the film’s central message of redemption and collective responsibility.

Although the film faltered financially, it garnered critical acclaim, with Time praising director Alfonso Cuarón’s work as “a cautious incantation for a hopeful future.” Its compelling blend of action, philosophy, and optimism renders it an inspiring masterpiece.

3 Dominick and Eugene

The 1988 drama Dominick and Eugene explores the bond between medical student Eugene (Ray Liotta) and his intellectually challenged fraternal twin brother Nicky (Tom Hulce), who works as a garbage collector to fund Eugene’s education. When Eugene plans to leave for a Stanford internship, tensions rise, especially with his girlfriend Jennifer (Jamie Lee Curtis), who suspects Eugene of exploiting Nicky.

Despite initial misunderstandings, the brothers’ relationship deepens as they confront a traumatic past and navigate the pressures of ambition versus loyalty. The film’s raw emotional core, bolstered by standout performances, earned it a cult following despite modest box‑office returns.

Its uplifting portrayal of familial sacrifice and perseverance cements Dominick and Eugene as an enduring inspirational drama.

2 It’s a Wonderful Life

Now a beloved Christmas classic, It’s a Wonderful Life (1947) was a financial flop upon release, failing to break even despite five Oscar nominations. The story follows George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart), a despondent man on the brink of suicide who receives a celestial second chance when an angel shows him the profound impact he’s had on his community.

The film’s themes—hope, faith, gratitude, and purpose—resonated deeply with later audiences. Though critics were mixed and the box‑office numbers weak, television airings eventually turned it into a holiday staple, cementing its status as an inspirational cornerstone.

Its journey from disappointment to cultural treasure illustrates how timeless messages can eventually find their audience.

1 The Shawshank Redemption

Often hailed as one of cinema’s greatest works, The Shawshank Redemption (1994) initially flopped at the box office. Adapted from a Stephen King novella and directed by Frank Darabont, the film follows Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), a banker wrongfully convicted of murder, and his friendship with fellow inmate Morgan Freeman’s Red.

Andy’s unbreakable optimism and ingenuity—despite two decades of imprisonment—embody the film’s central tenet: “Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.” Nominated for seven Oscars, the movie received strong critical praise for its storytelling and performances.

Over time, it grew into a cult classic, inspiring countless viewers with its powerful message of resilience, redemption, and the enduring human spirit.

These ten movies prove that a box‑office flop doesn’t equate to a lack of heart. Each film, in its own way, offers lessons about perseverance, love, and hope—reminding us that true inspiration often lies beneath the surface.

Sacrificing your life for another’s is perhaps the most courageous thing you can do. Here are the top 10 most inspiring acts of self‑sacrifice, because sometimes you need to know people like that exist.

1 John Robert Fox

Congressional Medal of Honor recipient and uncanny look‑alike of Prince, 1st Lieutenant John Robert Fox was orchestrating artillery fire in the Italian village of Sommocolonia to stall a German onslaught. While he was calling in the barrage, a sizeable German force surged toward his position.

Realising the imminent danger to his men, Fox made the split‑second decision to fire a final artillery strike directly onto his own location. When his unit later reclaimed the hill, they found his body beside roughly a hundred dead German soldiers, a Medal of Honor neatly placed on his chest.

2 Vincent Coleman

The Halifax explosion was a catastrophic blast that struck Nova Scotia when a munitions‑laden ship collided with another vessel, igniting a fire that spiraled out of control.

Vincent Coleman, a train operator stationed nearby, was overseeing traffic when he learned that the French‑laden ship *Mont‑Blanc* was minutes away from detonating. Coleman stayed behind, shouting warnings that forced a passenger train to halt just in time, sacrificing his own life when the explosion ripped through the harbor.

3 Arland Williams

When Air Florida Flight 90 crashed onto a frozen lake amid a blizzard, only six passengers survived. About twenty minutes later a rescue helicopter arrived, scooping people out of the icy water.

After rescuing one survivor, the helicopter tossed a life‑ring to Arland Williams. He handed it to the passenger beside him, then repeated the gesture each time the helicopter returned. By the final trip, Williams had exhausted himself, giving his last breath to save a complete stranger before the helicopter lifted off and the tragedy ended.

4 Alexander Stchukin

The siege of Leningrad forced millions into starvation. Yet within the walls of the Pavlovsk seed bank, a handful of scientists chose a different path. They guarded priceless seed reserves rather than flee for food.

Peanut specialist Alexander Stchukin stayed at his workstation, refusing to abandon the seed bank despite the gnawing hunger. His sacrifice ensured that future generations of Russians would have a vital source of nourishment, even as he and his colleagues perished.

5 Richard Rescorla

Richard Rescorla, the security director at Morgan Stanley, was a stickler for safety and ran bi‑annual evacuation drills. When the Twin Towers were struck on September 11, his rehearsals paid off.

Rescorla calmly ushered over 2,500 occupants out of the building, guiding them step‑by‑step until the very end, when he was killed. His disciplined leadership saved countless lives that day.

6 Lawrence Oates

Captain Lawrence Oates became a legend during the ill‑fated South Pole expedition. After sustaining severe frostbite that slowed his team, Oates begged to be left behind, but his pleas fell on deaf ears.

He famously declared, “I am just going outside and may be some time,” then walked into a blizzard, sacrificing himself in hopes of giving his companions a chance. Tragically, the rest of the party also perished shortly thereafter, underscoring the grim reality of his self‑less act.

7 Ryan Arnold

The bond between siblings can be a fierce, life‑affirming force. When Ryan Arnold’s brother Chad required a liver transplant, Ryan instantly checked his compatibility.

Finding he was a perfect match, Ryan underwent the operation, only to lose his own life during the surgery. His ultimate sacrifice ensured his brother’s survival, a testament to familial devotion.

8 Takeshi Miura and Miki Endo

The 2011 Japanese tsunami wrought unimaginable devastation along the coast. Government risk‑management workers Takeshi Miura and Miki Endo were on the front lines, tasked with warning the public.

As a ten‑metre wave crashed ashore, both men remained at their broadcast stations, using their final words to steer townsfolk to safety, ultimately sacrificing their own lives to save countless others.

9 The Four Chaplains

Lieutenants George Fox, Alexander Goode, John Washington, and Clark Poling served as chaplains of different faiths aboard the troop transport *Dorchester* during World War II.

When a German torpedo struck the ship, the chaplains rushed to distribute life jackets. When the jackets ran out, each gave his own, linking arms and singing as the vessel sank, embodying self‑less devotion.

10 Faithful Dog

Dogs have long been celebrated as humanity’s loyal companions, and this Kazakhstani story proves why. A drunken man, half‑asleep on a train track, was saved when his devoted dog pushed, pulled, and nudged him off the rails.

The heroic canine, however, was struck by an oncoming train in the process, sacrificing its own life to prevent a tragedy.

Why These Stories Represent the Top 10 Most Courageous Acts

Each of these ten narratives showcases the extraordinary lengths ordinary people will go to protect others. From battlefield valor to quiet personal sacrifice, they embody the very essence of the top 10 most inspiring self‑sacrifices humanity can muster.

10 more inspiring accounts of ordinary people throwing caution to the wind to protect strangers fill this list. After already chronicling nine brave souls (plus a four‑legged hero), we dug deeper and uncovered a treasure trove of self‑less acts that prove humanity still has a giant heart. Grab a seat, because these stories are as dramatic as they are moving.

10 More Inspiring Acts of Heroism

1 Oleg Ivanovich Okhrimenko

Oleg Ivanovich Okhrimenko bore a title longer than half the Wu‑Tang clan combined: “Senior Operations Officer of the Omsk Special Rapid Response Detachment.” In the line of duty he earned the posthumous honor “Hero of the Russian Federation” after a daring showdown with a crazed gunman clutching a pistol and a live grenade. When the felon tried to smash through a police barricade while holding a female hostage, the team moved in. The criminal hurled the grenade onto the floor; without a second thought, Oleg vaulted onto the explosive, absorbing the blast with his own body. His self‑immolation saved his comrades, nearby civilians, and the hostage, cementing his legacy as a true guardian of the people.

2 Dr. Liviu Librescu

When a gunman stormed Virginia Tech, Dr. Liviu Librescu, a 76‑year‑old Romanian professor, turned his classroom into a shield for his students. As the shooter forced his way in, Librescu slammed the door shut, buying precious seconds for his class to scramble for safety. He took five bullets—one of them a fatal shot to the head—while ensuring every student escaped. Out of the 27 in the room, 26 survived, a testament to his quick thinking and unyielding courage. Librescu’s sacrifice earned him worldwide admiration, and his name now echoes in halls of bravery.

3 The Dark Knight Boyfriends

During the 2012 Aurora theater massacre, three courageous boyfriends leapt instinctively to shield their girlfriends from the hail of bullets. Each man threw his own body between the shooter and his beloved, absorbing the deadly rounds and paying the ultimate price. Their self‑less actions turned a night of terror into a story of love‑driven heroism, reminding us that ordinary people can become legends when they act from the heart.

4 Alfred Vanderbilt

Alfred Vanderbilt, a dapper gentleman from the famed Vanderbilt dynasty, was aboard the RMS Lusitania when a German U‑boat torpedoed the liner. Amid the chaos, he raced through the decks, distributing life belts and ushering passengers toward the lifeboats. He even handed his own belt to a young mother cradling a baby, fully aware that his own swimming skills were limited. Tragically, he perished in the icy Atlantic. Ironically, he had once been slated to travel on the Titanic but missed the voyage at the last minute, only to meet a similar fate three years later. His story underscores that heroism knows no class.

5 Jordan Rice

Thirteen‑year‑old Jordan Rice faced a crushing flood while trapped in a car with his mother and younger brother in Queensland. Though he couldn’t swim, Jordan instructed rescuers to pull his brother to safety first, sacrificing his own chance of rescue. As the water surged, the vehicle was swept away, claiming both Jordan and his mother. His brother survived, a direct result of Jordan’s self‑less decision, illustrating that bravery can shine even in the youngest hearts.

6 Casey Jones

Legendary engineer Casey Jones became folklore after a high‑speed run toward a stalled freighter on the Mississippi tracks. Spotting the danger, he ordered his fireman to jump clear, then slammed the brakes with all his might. The massive locomotive screeched to a halt, sparing the lives of countless passengers. Only Casey himself perished in the crash, his sacrifice immortalized in song and American legend.

7 Muelmar Magallanes

When torrential rains battered the Philippines in 2009, 18‑year‑old Muelmar Magallanes refused to let the rising waters claim his loved ones. He tied a rope to his waist and dove repeatedly into the flood, rescuing his family, neighbors, and countless strangers—totaling roughly two dozen lives. In his final act, he spotted a mother and infant being swept away and, without hesitation, plunged back in to save them. The relentless currents claimed his own life, but his legacy lives on in the dozens he pulled from death.

8 Maximilian Kolbe

Friar Maximilian Kolbe endured the horrors of Auschwitz, yet his spirit never wavered. When the Nazis selected ten men for starvation as a cruel demonstration, one prisoner begged for his family’s mercy. Kolbe stepped forward, volunteering to die in the man’s place. He then sang uplifting hymns for three weeks, bolstering the morale of his fellow inmates. Ultimately, the Nazis executed him with a lethal injection, but his sacrifice earned him canonization as a saint, a beacon of faith against tyranny.

9 Artur Kasprzak

During Hurricane Sandy, NYPD officer Artur Kasprzak became a lifeline for his family and neighbors. As floodwaters surged, he hoisted six adults and his young nephew into his attic, securing them from the rising tide. When he realized his father was still below, Kasprzak raced back down, only to discover his father had already escaped. Hours later, rescuers found Kasprzak’s body; his courage saved many but cost him his own life.

10 The Chernobyl Trio

The 1986 Chernobyl disaster could have spiraled into an even greater catastrophe if not for three brave men: Alexei Ananenko, Valeri Bezpalol, and Boris Baranov. A massive radioactive carbon chamber threatened to melt through the floor into a water pool, risking a steam explosion that would have spewed tons of radiation into the atmosphere. The three volunteers dove into the pool, manually opening a valve to drain the water and prevent the disaster. Their self‑less plunge exposed them to lethal radiation doses, and all three later succumbed to the effects, sparing millions from a far worse fate.

These ten stories remind us that heroism often hides in plain sight, waiting for ordinary people to step up when the world needs them most.

Living through a global pandemic, it can seem like the news has slipped into an endless cycle of misery and despair. But it is important to remember that this coronavirus is not the first epidemic humanity has faced. For the last half-century, people have been battling against the debilitating and potentially fatal terror of HIV/AIDS.

The fight is a long way from over. To date, HIV has taken over 36 million lives and still claims hundreds of thousands each year. Of the nearly 38 million people still living with the infection, one in five is said to be unaware of their condition. And with marginalized communities most at risk of infection, the virus still carries a weighty social stigma.^[1]

But the fight against HIV/AIDS has also produced a wealth of uplifting breakthroughs and inspiring victories. As of January 2021, the virus has been eliminated in three patients. There are reports of a potential vaccine in the pipeline. Around the world, there are inspiring stories of people coming together to minimize HIV infection. And plenty of work is being done to fight the stigma too.

So, in these bleak times of coronavirus, when it feels like the world might be damaged beyond repair, here are ten uplifting stories from the fight against HIV/AIDS.

10 Gene Editing Helps Cure Mice

Gene editing is a controversial practice, but it could prove vital to curing HIV. In 2020, researchers discovered a way to stamp out HIV in mice.

As part of the scientists’ study, HIV-infected mice were given a cocktail of slow-release drugs for four weeks. They then received a complex gene-editing treatment. The two treatments were ineffective on their own. But the scientists found that they could eliminate HIV if they were used together. Of the 23 mice that received both therapies, nine came back HIV-negative.

Dr. Howard E Gendelman of the University of Nebraska worked closely on the study. He described it as “the first time, to my knowledge, that any group has shown viral eradication is possible in a live animal model.”

Currently, people with HIV keep relatively normal lives by taking antiretroviral drugs. These drugs stabilize the condition—but they are not a cure. If someone with HIV were to stop taking their medication, their symptoms would flare up again in only a few weeks.^[2]

9 Monthly Injections Could Replace Pills

For people with HIV, taking pills is part of their daily routine. But those pills could soon be on their way out. Scientists in California have developed a monthly injection that they claim is better than pills at keeping the virus at bay. The drugs are injected into the patient’s buttock. They remain between the muscle fibers while they soak into the bloodstream. This method is remarkably effective. In a recent trial, 94% of participants who received the injection were stable after two years.

The injectable therapy is welcome news to many, including UN health expert Mahesh Mahalingam. As he told reporters, “It will help remove the challenge of taking tablets every day and significantly improve the quality of life of people living with HIV.”^[3]

8 “Dusseldorf Patient” Cured after Bone Marrow Transplant

In 2019, a patient in Germany became the third person in history to be cured of HIV after receiving a bone marrow transplant. For confidentiality reasons, very little is known about the identity of the “Dusseldorf Patient.” But, when doctors revealed the case at a conference in Seattle, the patient had gone three months without taking medication and was still free of HIV. The scientists looked for traces of the virus by studying tissue from the lymph nodes and the gut.

A bone marrow transplant is an advanced treatment in which infected cells are replaced with healthy ones. Scientists have been aware of the potential of bone marrow transplants since 2007, when “Berlin Patient” Timothy Ray Brown became the first person to be cured of the virus.^[4]

7 Protests Against Mbeki’s Denial in South Africa

HIV was rife in post-apartheid South Africa. By the mid-1990s, over one and half million people had tested positive for the virus. The hospitals were filled with dying patients. Across the country, tens of thousands of mothers were giving birth to infected babies.

Amidst this devastation, President Thabo Mbeki decided to push aside a wealth of scientific evidence. He declared that people with HIV should stop taking their medication. Instead, officials were recommending garlic and beetroot as potential treatments. In addition, Mbeki banned infected mothers from accessing drugs that would prevent them from passing on the virus to their children. Mbeki’s leadership is said to have cost 300,000 people their lives.

But the people of South Africa did not suffer Mbeki’s actions gladly. Throughout his presidency, protesters took to the streets. Crowds of South Africans called on the president to abandon his AIDS denial and face reality. Finally, in 2001, a community group called the Treatment Action Campaign took the issue to court. Their legal case forced the government to backtrack. Pregnant women would finally be allowed to access the medication they so desperately needed.

The impact on South Africa’s collective health has been astounding. In the decade following the drug’s release, life expectancy has risen by nine years. The child mortality rate has fallen through the floor. Mbeki resigned in 2008, making space for a government committed to tackling the pandemic. South Africa is still a long way from kicking out the virus completely. But they are in a far stronger position than they were twenty years ago.^[5]

6 PrEP Prevents Infection

Prevention, the saying goes, is better than the cure. Especially with HIV/AIDS, which has no known cure. Over the past fifteen years, researchers have made incredible strides in developing the PrEP medication that they say reduces the risk of getting HIV to almost zero.

PrEP is a daily program of drugs that protect at-risk people from contracting the virus. Initially, the drugs were limited to certain groups like sex workers and people who inject drugs. But after promising trials, the World Health Organization recommended that PrEP be made available to anyone at risk of infection. The rollout of PrEP now includes countries like the U.S., Brazil, and Thailand. In Thailand, anyone can access free PrEP no matter their age or gender.^[6]

5 HIV-Positive Sperm Bank Opens in New Zealand

In 2019, New Zealand opened the doors to the world’s first HIV-positive sperm bank. Sperm Positive is part of a new scheme to reduce the stigma surrounding the virus. All the men who donate to the bank will be HIV-positive with an undetectable viral load. This means that when their sperm is used for conception, there is no possibility of the virus being transmitted to the child.

Sperm Positive is a collective effort run by three charities—Positive Women Inc, Body Positive, and the New Zealand Aids Foundation. They hope that the project will help broaden people’s horizons about the virus and lessen the social shame attached to it.^[7]

4 Brighton’s HIV Test Vending Machine

The English city of Brighton faces numerous issues when it comes to HIV. Excluding London, it has the highest rate of HIV in the country. Eight out of every 1,000 people have tested positive for the virus, four times the national average. A 2016 study estimated that almost one-fifth of the people with HIV in Brighton were unaware that they had the infection.

However, that number is falling. In 2016, the city council became the first in the UK to commit to a target of zero new infections.

To minimize infection, the council installed vending machines across the city so that locals could access HIV testing kits. These machines are the first of their kind anywhere in the world. In 2017, the Martin Fisher Foundation set up five machines in venues around Brighton that are often visited by high-risk groups.

The vending machines are playing a vital role in reducing Brighton’s infection rate. The Foundation recently upgraded three of them to full Sexual Health Machines. Now, locals can use the machines to get STI kits as well as HIV tests.^[8]

Following Brighton’s promising example, Glasgow, Liverpool, London, and Manchester have also pledged to eradicate new infections.

3 Cyclists Help HIV-Positive Sex Workers in Zimbabwe

Coronavirus has taken its toll on all of our lives. But, for HIV-positive sex workers in rural Zimbabwe, the pandemic has been a nightmare. Zimbabwe’s national lockdown has stopped people in remote areas from accessing necessities.

When the pandemic hit, people in the village of Mashava were suddenly unable to get to the nearest clinic. This left four hundred HIV-positive sex workers stranded without their medication. Women like Dorcas Mbiri found that they were being turned away by the police and told to stay indoors.

So Mbiri and her colleagues decided to organize among themselves. They borrowed bicycles so that once a week, a cyclist could travel to the nearest clinic and collect essential medication for the villagers. On the poor quality Zimbabwean roads, the 10km trek (6.2 miles) can take almost three-quarters of an hour. But it has provided a much-needed lifeline for the sex workers of Mashava.^[9]

2 Woman Free of HIV for Twelve Years without Medication

In 2015, a young woman born with HIV made headlines after testing HIV-negative twelve years after last taking her medication. The unnamed woman was treated with antiretroviral drugs as a baby. But, after six years, the family decided to end her treatment. A year later, aged seven, doctors tested her again and found no trace of the virus.

Eleven years later, now an adult, she went back for another HIV test. Medical professionals were astounded by what they saw. Remarkably, over a decade since her last dose of drugs, HIV had not resurfaced in the young woman’s blood. This was the longest any young person has gone virus-free without medication.

“There have been other reports of treating infants followed by the stoppage of antiretroviral therapy that have not turned out as well,” explained Dr. Scott Sieg, an expert in infectious disease and HIV. “This case provides new hope.”^[10]

1 DNA-rTV, China’s Potential HIV Vaccine

Researchers in China have produced a potential HIV vaccine. One day, this may be used to protect the public from the virus. The potential vaccine, DNA-rTV, completed its second phase of clinical trials in 2019. So far, the results appear to be positive.

DNA-rTV is a replicating viral vector vaccine. This means that the vaccine particles can reproduce themselves. These new particles then enter cells in the body and produce antigens. Antigens are hugely important for immunization because they make the immune system produce antibodies. If that person ever becomes infected, those antibodies will play a vital role in helping the immune system fight off the virus.

Developing an HIV vaccine is a difficult task. Scientists say that we should not expect the vaccine any time soon. Jin Cong, director of China’s AIDS Prevention Office, has warned people not to get their hopes up too quickly.

“In general, all vaccines require a long process from development to the market,” Cong explained. “It is even more difficult for the AIDS vaccine, which is determined by the characteristics of the AIDS virus itself.”^[11]