For the first time, an HIV positive patient donated his kidney to fellow HIV positive patients in the United States. The kidney transplant surgery took place at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltiore, Maryland State. Both patients were reported to be in good condition.

"This is the first time in the world, someone with HIV is allowed to donate a kidney," said Dr. Dorry Segev.

Previously, people with HIV could not donate their kidneys because they were considered very risky for kidney disease. But the latest types of anti-retroviral drugs used to treat the disease are considered safe so that people with HIV can donate their kidneys.

Dr Christine Durand, lector head of medicine and oncology at Johns Hopkins Hospital, said the operation "challenged" the public to view HIV differently "while advancing the medical world.

Donor recipient patients "are very grateful for this gift and we just have to monitor long-term results," said Dr. Durand. As for Nina Martinez as a donor, she claimed to "feel good".

The 35-year-old woman from Atlanta said she was inspired to donate a kidney after watching an episode of the television series Gray's Anatomy.

"I know I'm the one they are waiting for. For anyone who is considering taking this trip, this is very possible.

"I just showed you the way and I really want to see who is following in my footsteps."

Recipients of kidney donors choose to have their identity unpublished. However, according to Dr. Durand, he was extraordinarily kind.

This breakthrough occurred following significant developments in the field of handling HIV. Last month, HIV of a patient in England was "undetectable" after undergoing stem cell transplant surgery.

There are around 37 million people with HIV / AIDS in 2017 and the World Health Organization (WHO) still places HIV as "one of the most serious public health challenges in the world".