AIDS timeline

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.

Events are divided into five categories as follows:

  • Spread of AIDS
  • Science and prevention
  • National action
  • Treatment
  • Global action

Before 1970s

  • HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) probably transfers to humans in Africa around 1930
  • HIV probably enters Haiti around 1966

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

1981

  • AIDS is detected in California and New York
  • The first cases are among gay men, then injecting drug users

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

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

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 programme is set up in Amsterdam, the Netherlands

1985

  • An HIV test is licensed for screening blood supplies
  • 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
  • Uganda begins promoting sexual behaviour change in response to AIDS

1987

  • AZT is the first drug approved for treating AIDS
  • The UK and other countries act to raise awareness of AIDS

1988

  • The American government conducts a national AIDS education campaign
  • Health ministers meet to discuss AIDS and establish a World AIDS Day

1990

  • Around 8 million people are living with HIV worldwide, according to estimates made later

1991

  • Thailand launches Asia’s most extensive HIV prevention programme

1993

  • AZT is shown to be of no benefit to those in the early stages of HIV infection

1994

1995

  • The Joint United Nations Programme on AIDS (UNAIDS) is established

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

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

2000

2001

  • At a UN Special Session, world leaders set long-term targets on HIV/AIDS

2002

  • The Global Fund is established to boost the response to AIDS, TB and malaria
  • Botswana begins Africa’s first national AIDS treatment programme

2003

  • AIDS drugs become more affordable for developing countries
  • The “3 by 5” campaign is launched to widen access to AIDS treatment
  • The first AIDS vaccine candidate to undergo a major trial is found to be ineffective

2004

  • America launches a major initiative called PEPFAR to combat AIDS worldwide
  • After much hesitancy, South Africa begins to provide free antiretroviral treatment

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

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

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Last updated April 23, 2008