Scientists believe that HIV originally came from a virus particular to chimpanzees in West Africa during the 1930s, and originally transmitted to humans through the transfer of blood through hunting. Over the decades, the virus spread through Africa, and to other parts of the world.
However, it wasn’t until the early 1980s, when rare types of pneumonia, cancer, and other illnesses were being reported to doctors that the world became aware of HIV and AIDS. This timeline highlights some of the major events and discoveries in HIV and AIDS since this time.
The Discovery
In the US, reporting of unusually high rates of the rare forms of pneumonia and cancer in young gay men begins. The disease is initially called Gay-Related Immune Deficiency (GRID) because it is thought it only affects gay men. Cases are also reported in Injection Drug Users by the end of the year.
The First Case of AIDS
The disease is renamed Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Canada reports its first case of AIDS in March. It is realized that the infection can be sexually transmitted and caused by HIV. Cases are reported in blood transfusion recipients.
Women Can Become Infected
It is discovered that women can become infected with AIDS through heterosexual sex.
The First Conferences on AIDS
The first International Conference on AIDS is held in Georgia, USA. The first Canadian Conference on AIDS is held in Montreal.
From Mother to Child
It is discovered that HIV can be passed from mother to child through breast-feeding.
Anti-retroviral drug, AZT Approved
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration approves the first anti-retroviral drug, AZT.
World AIDS Day
The first World AIDS Day is held on December 1st, 1988.
People Living With HIV
Between 8-10 million people are estimated to be living with HIV worldwide.
Symbol of AIDS Awareness
The red ribbon became the international symbol of AIDS awareness, intended to be a symbol of compassion for people living with HIV and their carers.
Dr. Mark Wainberg contributes to development of 3TC
CANFAR-funded researcher Dr. Mark Wainberg contributed to the development of 3TC, a drug being used to treat HIV. This was a combination drug therapy, which brought about an immediate decline of between 60% – 80% in rates of AIDS-related deaths and hospitalization for patients who could afford it. There are an estimated 23 million people living with HIV and AIDS worldwide.
Millennium Development Goals
The UN adopt the Millennium Development Goals, which included a specific goal to reverse the spread of HIV, malaria, and TB.
Greater Access to HIV Medication
UNAIDS negotiates with 5 pharmaceutical companies to reduce the cost of HIV medication for developing countries.
HIV Progression
CANFAR-funded researcher, Dr. Kelly McDonald unveils a new HIV vaccine candidate that can reduce, and in some cases prevent, HIV progression.
PrEP
The FDA approves HIV preventative drug pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for individuals at high-risk for HIV infection.
Legal Duty to Disclose
Despite growing scientific evidence that HIV treatment dramatically reduces the risk of transmission when the viral load is undetectable, the Supreme Court of Canada rules that an HIV-positive person has a legal duty to disclose his or her HIV status to a sexual partner before having any sex that poses a “realistic possibility” of HIV transmission.
90-90-90 endorsement
Canadian Federal Health Minister, Jane Philpott, endorsed the UNAIDS 90 90 90 targets for Canada.
