Increase global resources to fight AIDS

These are known as the “silent” decades as it is likely that HIV originated sometime during the 1960s but was unknown or not reported. The spread started in 1970’s when the medical community became aware.

HIV is thought to originate in Africa, where humans caught it from chimpanzees. The virus that affects the apes is very similar to HIV and is called SIVcpz (simian immunodeficiency virus). This virus spread to humans following contact with infected chimpanzee blood during the hunting of chimpanzees.

For many years the human type of HIV was limited to a remote part of Africa. With improved connections the virus began to spread worldwide.

1985: In the same year an antibody test was developed to show if someone has the virus.

Public awareness continued to rise and the first case of breast milk transmission was reported.

In 1986, the first UK government AIDS awareness campaign began and was called “Don’t aid AIDS”. The virus was called human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

1986 also saw the development of first anti-HIV drugs called azidothymidine (AZT) or zidovudine. The drug was approved in 1987. Princess Diana dispelled fears of AIDS by visiting and shaking hands with an AIDS patient.

1988-89: 1988 marked December 1st, the first World AIDS day and in 1989 effectiveness of zidovudine in clinical trials was seen. Dideoxyinosine (ddI) was the second drug developed.

1990’s: In 1991 third drug to slow progression of AIDS, dideoxycytidine (ddC) developed.

1993 saw first resistance to Zidovudine by the HIV.

In 1994 it was noted that Zidovudine could reduce risk of transmission of virus from HIV positive mother to baby.

In 1995 world total of 1 million reported cases of AIDS and estimated total of 18 million HIV+ adults and 1.5 million HIV+ children were reported and AIDS became the main cause of death in 25-44 age group in USA. In 1995 a new type of drug is approved called saquinivir, a protease enzyme inhibitor. Estimate of global death toll from AIDS was 9 million.

In 1996 Nevirapine was approved for HIV. In 1997 it was estimated that 40 million people would be HIV positive worldwide by 2000. In 1998 side effects of combination therapy surface. AIDS was declared 4th biggest global cause of death in 1999.

2000’s: In 2000, 34.3 million cases of HIV worldwide, with largest number in South Africa, were estimated. HIV Vaccine trials began in Oxford in 2000.

In 2003 in Swaziland and Botswana in Southern Africa, almost 40% of adults HIV+ AIDS vaccine failed. Enfuviride a new drug called fusion inhibitor was approved in the USA.

In 2005 drug companies and makers agreed to make available cheaper generic anti-viral drugs.