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HIV probably transfers from chimps to humans in Africa.
HIV probably transfers to humans in Africa between 1884 and 1924. HIV is from a descendant of a Simian Immunodeficiency Virus, likely from the sub-group of chimps known as Pan troglodytes troglodytes.
Likely jumped from chimps to humans as a result of transmission of animal blood during hunting/ slaughter
Virus slowly spread over years across Africa and into other parts of the world. -
Period: to
HIV probably transfers to humans in Africa between 1884 and 1924.
From a descendant of a Simian Immunodeficiency Virus, likely from the sub-group of chimps known as Pan troglodytes troglodytes.
Likely jumped from chimps to humans as a result of transmission of animal blood during hunting/ slaughter
Virus slowly spread over years across Africa and into other parts of the world -
Earliest known case found in a blood sample from a man from the Congo in 1959.
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HIV enters Haiti.
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HIV enters the U.S.
African doctors see a rise in opportunistic infections and wasting.
Western scientists and doctors remain ignorant of the growing epidemic. -
“GRID” or "Gay-Related Immune Disorder" terminology is used from 1979-81.
Rare types of pneumonia, cancer and other illnesses were being reported by doctors - mostly in Los Angeles and New York - among male patients who reported having had sex with other men (MSM). -
First cases of what would be known as AIDS reported in U.S.
AIDS is detected in California and New York.
The first cases are among gay men, then injecting drug users. -
term "AIDS" was first used.
In 1982, the term “AIDS” was used to describe the rare opportunistic infections and the CDC linked the disease to blood. -
AIDS is reported among hemophiliacs and Haitians in the USA.
AIDS is also reported in several European countries. -
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. -
Period: to
HIV Virus is discovered
In 1983 and 1984, French and U.S. scientists discovered the actual virus that causes AIDS. -
Scientists identify HIV (initially called HTLV-III or LAV) as the cause of AIDS.
1984-85
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.
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First antibody test approved.
The FDA approved the first HIV antibody test and blood products in the U.S. and Japan began to be tested. -
AIDS is found in China, and has therefore been seen in all regions of the world.
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More than 38,000 cases of AIDS have been reported from 85 countries.
Uganda begins promoting sexual behaviour change in response to AIDS. -
HTLV-III became known as HIV.
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AZT is the first drug approved for treating AIDS.
The UK and other countries act to raise awareness of AIDS. -
The American government conducts a national AIDS education campaign.
Health ministers meet to discuss AIDS and establish a World AIDS Day. -
Around 8 million people are living with HIV worldwide, according to estimates made later.
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AZT is shown to be of no benefit to those in the early stages of HIV infection.
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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. -
The Joint United Nations Programme on AIDS (UNAIDS) is established.
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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. -
Around 22 million people are living with HIV worldwide
IDS 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. -
Origins of HIV Reported
In 1999, an international team of researchers reported they had discovered the origins of HIV-1, the predominant strain of HIV in the world.They verified the origin of HIV as a descendant of a Simian Immunodeficiency Virus from a subspecies of chimp (Pan troglodytes troglodytes) native to West Africa.
Likely jumped from chimps to humans as a result of transmission of animal blood during hunting and slaughter. -
Botswana begins Africa’s first national AIDS treatment program.
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America launches a major initiative called PEPFAR to combat AIDS worldwide.
After much hesitancy, South Africa begins to provide free antiretroviral treatment. -
Circumcision is shown to reduce HIV infection among heterosexual men.
Only 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. -
President Obama announces the removal of the travel ban that prevents HIV-positive people from entering the U.S.
4 million people in developing and transitional countries are receiving treatment for HIV; 9.5 million are still in immediate need of treatment. -
HIV-1 group P strain related to gorilla simian immunodeficiency discovered
In 2009 a new strain closely relating to gorilla simian immunodeficiency virus was discovered in a Cameroonian woman. It was designated HIV-1 group P. -
Results from the iPrEx trial show a reduction in HIV acquisition among men who have sex with men taking PrEP.
PrEP refers to a form of treatment that can be taken before exposure to a disease in an attempt to prevent infection. In respect to HIV, PrEP consists of antiretroviral drugs to be taken before potential HIV exposure in order to reduce the risk of HIV infection. -
Early initiation of antiretroviral treatment reduces the risk of HIV transmission by 96% among discordant couples
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Approximately 33 million people are living with HIV.
