Timeline of HIV/AIDS

Timeline of HIV/AIDS

The Timeline of HIV/AIDS traces the development of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) pandemic, from its origins in the late 19th or early 20th century to the present day. HIV is a virus that gradually attacks the immune system, which is our body's natural defense against illness. AIDS is the term used to describe a number of potentially life-threatening infections and illnesses that happen when the immune system has been severely damaged by the HIV virus. This timeline highlights key events, discoveries, and milestones in the global response to HIV/AIDS.

Origins

The origins of HIV are believed to have stemmed from the transfer of the virus from primates to humans in West-Central Africa in the early 20th century. The most accepted theory is that of the 'hunter' theory, which suggests that HIV was transferred to humans as a result of chimps being killed and eaten or their blood getting into cuts or wounds on hunters. The earliest known case of infection with HIV-1 dates back to 1959, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

1980s

The early 1980s marked the first recognized cases of AIDS in the United States. In 1981, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a report about five previously healthy homosexual men becoming infected with rare and opportunistic infections, indicating suppressed immune systems. This was the first official reporting of what would become known as AIDS.

• 1982: The term "AIDS" (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is introduced to describe the disease.
• 1983: The virus causing AIDS, later named HIV, is identified.
• 1985: The first test for HIV is licensed for screening blood donations, leading to a significant decrease in the risk of transfusion-related AIDS.

1990s

The 1990s saw significant advancements in the treatment and understanding of HIV/AIDS.

• 1996: The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), also known as combination therapy, marks a turning point in the history of AIDS. HAART becomes the standard of care, transforming HIV from a fatal diagnosis to a manageable chronic condition for many.

2000s

The global response to HIV/AIDS intensifies in the 2000s, with increased international funding and the establishment of global health initiatives.

• 2003: The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) is launched by the U.S. government, providing billions of dollars in funding to combat AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.
• 2005: The World Health Organization's "3 by 5" initiative aims to treat 3 million people with HAART by the end of 2005.

2010s

The 2010s witness continued progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS, with advancements in prevention, treatment, and global health policy.

• 2012: The FDA approves pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a medication that when taken daily, can prevent HIV infection.
• 2014: UNAIDS launches the 90-90-90 targets, aiming for 90% of all people living with HIV to know their status, 90% of all people diagnosed with HIV to receive sustained antiretroviral therapy, and 90% of all people receiving antiretroviral therapy to have viral suppression by 2020.

2020s

The fight against HIV/AIDS continues into the 2020s, with ongoing research into vaccines and cure strategies, alongside efforts to ensure global access to prevention and treatment services.

See also

• HIV/AIDS
• Epidemiology of HIV/AIDS
• HIV/AIDS in Africa
• Antiretroviral therapy
• Pre-exposure prophylaxis
• UNAIDS
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

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