A Timeline of AIDS
IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE
HISTORY OF AIDS
Before
1970s
HIV probably
enters Haiti
around 1966.
 HIV (the virus that causes AIDS)
probably transfers to humans in
Africa between 1884 and 1924.
1970s
Western
scientists and
doctors remain
ignorant of the
growing
epidemic.
 HIV probably enters the United
States around 1970.
 African doctors see a rise in
opportunistic infections and
wasting.
 AIDS is detected in California and
1981
New York.
 The first cases are among gay
“GRID”
men, initially naming the disease
GRID (Gay Related Immune
Deficiency).
 The name “AIDS” is created
1982
AIDS
(Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).
 AIDS is reported among
hemophiliacs and Haitians in the
USA.
 AIDS is reported in several
European countries.
 AIDS is reported among non-drug
1983
using women and children.
 Experts are more confident that
the cause of AIDS is infectious.
 3,000 AIDS cases have been
reported in the USA . . .1,000
have died.
 Scientists identify HIV as the
1984
Ryan White
diagnosed with
AIDS and is
banned from his
school.
cause of AIDS.
 AIDS is widespread in parts of
Africa.
1985
 An HIV antibody test is licensed
for screening blood supplies.
1985
Rock Hudson
dies of AIDS.
 AIDS is found in China, and has
therefore been seen in all regions
of the world.
1986
 More than
38,000
cases of AIDS have been reported
from
85 countries.
1987
AZT is the first drug
Liberace dies of
AIDS.
approved for treating AIDS.
 Health ministers meet to discuss
1988
AIDS and establish a
World AIDS
Day on
December 1.
1988
 Greg Louganis hits head in
Olympic diving. In 1995, he
would disclose he had HIV at the
time of the accident.
1990
Ryan White
dies of AIDS.
8 million people
worldwide are living with HIV.
1991
Magic Johnson discloses he has
HIV.
 AZT is shown to reduce the risk of
1994
AIDS is the
leading cause of
death for all
Americans aged
25-44.
mother-to-child transmission of
HIV. Infant HIV infections begin
to fall in developed countries, due
to use of AZT.
 Combination antiretroviral
1996
“Cocktail”
treatments
treatment is shown to be highly
effective against HIV.
 AIDS deaths begin to decline in
1997
Deaths
Infections
developed countries, due to the
new drugs.
22 million
people
worldwide are living with HIV.
1997
Nearly 22
million
people have
become
infected with
HIV during
the 11 years
of tracking
the disease.
 The first HIV vaccine to undergo
2003
a major trial is found to be
ineffective.
 AIDS drugs become more
affordable for developing
countries.
2006
 Circumcision is shown to reduce
HIV infection among
heterosexual men.
2006
28%
 The percentage of HIV infected
people who are receiving
treatment in developing
countries…only 1 in 4.
2007
33 million people
worldwide are living with HIV.
 Another major HIV vaccine trial
is halted after preliminary results
show no benefit.
2009
Travel
ban
lifted
President Obama announces the
removal of the travel ban that
prevented HIV-positive people
from entering the U.S.
 June 5 marks 30 years since the
first case of AIDS was reported.
2011
June 5, 1981
–
June 5, 2011
30
years
 Ora-Quick approved by the FDA.
2012
HIV
Antibody
test
The first rapid test using oral fluid
that can be bought over the
counter; results of which are
obtained at home.
 The FDA approves the use of
2012
PrEP
Truvada for reducing the risk of
HIV infection in uninfected
persons at high risk. It is the first
pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
$13,900 per year