This timeline features some of the most important developments in the history of AIDS. Much more detailed information can be found in our AIDS history section.
back to top Events are divided into five categories as follows:
- Spread of AIDS
- Science and prevention
- National action
- Treatment
- Global action
back to top Before 1970s
- HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) probably transfers to humans in Africa between 1884 and 1924.
- HIV probably enters Haiti around 1966.
back to top 1970s
- HIV probably enters the United States around 1970.
- African doctors see a rise in opportunistic infections and wasting.
- Western scientists and doctors remain ignorant of the growing epidemic.
back to top 1981
- AIDS is detected in California and New York.
- The first cases are among gay men, then injecting drug users.
back to top 1982
- AIDS is reported among haemophiliacs and Haitians in the USA.
- AIDS is reported in several European countries.
- The name “AIDS” – Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome – is created.
- Community organisations in the UK and USA promote safer sex among gay men.
back to top 1983
- AIDS is reported among non-drug using women and children.
- Experts become more confident that the cause of AIDS is infectious.
- Three thousand AIDS cases have been reported in the USA; one thousand have died.
back to top 1984
- Scientists identify HIV (initially called HTLV-III or LAV) as the cause of AIDS.
- Western scientists become aware that AIDS is widespread in parts of Africa.
- The world's first needle exchange program is set up in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
back to top 1985
back to top 1986
- More than 38,000 cases of AIDS have been reported from 85 countries.
- Uganda begins promoting sexual behaviour change in response to AIDS.
back to top 1987
- AZT is the first drug approved for treating AIDS.
- The UK and other countries act to raise awareness of AIDS.
back to top 1988
- The American government conducts a national AIDS education campaign.
- Health ministers meet to discuss AIDS and establish a World AIDS Day.
back to top 1990
- Around 8 million people are living with HIV worldwide, according to estimates made later.
back to top 1991
- Thailand launches Asia’s most extensive HIV prevention programme.
back to top 1993
- AZT is shown to be of no benefit to those in the early stages of HIV infection.
back to top 1994
- AZT is shown to reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
- Infant HIV infections begin to fall in developed countries, due to use of AZT.
back to top 1995
- The Joint United Nations Programme on AIDS (UNAIDS) is established.
back to top 1996
- Combination antiretroviral treatment is shown to be highly effective against HIV.
- In developed countries, many people begin taking the new treatment.
- Annual global spending on AIDS in low- and middle-income countries is $300 million.
back to top 1997
- AIDS deaths begin to decline in developed countries, due to the new drugs.
- Brazil is the first developing country to begin providing free combination treatment.
- In other developing countries, only a tiny minority can access treatment for HIV.
- Around 22 million people are living with HIV worldwide, according to estimates made later.
back to top 2000
- President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa voices support for AIDS dissidents.
back to top 2001
- At a UN Special Session, world leaders set long-term targets on HIV/AIDS.
back to top 2002
- The Global Fund is established to boost the response to AIDS, TB and malaria.
- Botswana begins Africa’s first national AIDS treatment programme.
back to top 2003
- AIDS drugs become more affordable for developing countries.
- The “3 by 5” campaign is launched to widen access to AIDS treatment.
- The first HIV vaccine candidate to undergo a major trial is found to be ineffective.
back to top 2004
- America launches a major initiative called PEPFAR to combat AIDS worldwide.
- After much hesitancy, South Africa begins to provide free antiretroviral treatment.
back to top 2006
- Circumcision is shown to reduce HIV infection among heterosexual men.
- 28% of people in developing countries who need treatment for HIV are receiving it.
- Annual global spending on AIDS in low- and middle-income countries is $8.9 billion.
- It is estimated that $14.9 billion would be needed for a truly effective response.
back to top 2007
- Around 33 million people are living with HIV, according to revised estimates.
- Another major HIV vaccine trial is halted after preliminary results show no benefit.
back to top 2008
- A controversial Swiss study claims people adhering to ARVs have a "negligibly small" risk of transmitting HIV through unprotected sex.
- PEPFAR is reauthorised, committing $48 billion for the next five years.
- Michel Sidibé is named as new head of UNAIDS as Peter Piot steps down.
back to top 2009
- President Obama announces the removal of the travel ban that prevents HIV-positive people from entering the US.
- 4 million people in developing and transitional countries are receiving treatment for HIV; 9.5 million are still in immediate need of treatment.
back to top 2010
- The United States, South Korea, China and Namibia lift their travel bans for people living with HIV.
- The CAPRISA 004 microbicide trial is hailed a success after results show the gel reduced the risk of HIV infection by 40%.
- Results from the iPrEx trial show a reduction in HIV acquisition among men who have sex with men taking PrEP.
back to top 2011
- Results from the HPTN 052 trial show that early initiation of antiretroviral treatment reduces the risk of HIV transmission by 96% among discordant couples.
- Armenia and Fiji lift their travel restrictions for people living with HIV.
- FDA approval of Complera, the second all-in-one fixed dose combination tablet, expands the treatment options available for people living with HIV.
- The Global Fund announce the replacement of Round 11 with a Transitional Funding Mechanism (TFM), due to a lack of funds.