The HIV.gov timeline highlights key moments in the history of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States—from the first reported cases in 1981 to today. It showcases how advancements in prevention, care, and treatment have transformed HIV into a manageable condition, offering hope for long and healthy lives to those living with or at risk for the virus.
Explore the timeline of the current Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative.
1981: The First Reports of a Mysterious New Illness
June 5
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) publishes a report in its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) titled Pneumocystis Pneumonia—Los Angeles. It describes five young, previously healthy gay men in Los Angeles diagnosed with Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP), a rare lung infection typically seen in people with severely weakened immune systems. The men also present with other unusual infections. Two have already died, and the rest will soon follow. This marks the first official documentation of what will later be identified as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).
On the same day, New York dermatologist Dr. Alvin Friedman-Kien contacts the CDC to report cases of a rare cancer—Kaposi’s Sarcoma (KS)—affecting gay men in New York and California. Like PCP, KS is typically found in individuals with compromised immune systems.
June 5–6
Major news outlets including the Associated Press, Los Angeles Times, and San Francisco Chronicle report on the MMWR findings. Soon after, the CDC begins receiving reports from across the country of similar infections among gay men.
June 8
In response to the growing concern, the CDC forms the Task Force on Kaposi’s Sarcoma and Opportunistic Infections to investigate potential risk factors and establish a case definition for this new, unidentified condition.
June 16
A 35-year-old gay man with symptoms of severe immune deficiency becomes the first AIDS patient admitted to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). He never leaves the hospital and dies on October 28.
July 2
San Francisco’s Bay Area Reporter, a newspaper for the LGBTQ+ community, publishes its first mention of “Gay Men’s Pneumonia,” urging readers with shortness of breath to seek medical attention.
July 3
The CDC issues another MMWR titled Kaposi's Sarcoma and Pneumocystis Pneumonia Among Homosexual Men — New York City and California, describing 26 cases (25 white, one Black). On the same day, The New York Times runs the headline: “Rare Cancer Seen in 41 Homosexuals.” The term “gay cancer” enters public discussion, stigmatizing the condition early on.
August 11
Writer and activist Larry Kramer hosts a meeting of more than 80 gay men in his New York apartment to discuss the emerging crisis. Dr. Friedman-Kien speaks, urging attendees to fund his research due to lack of government support. The group raises $6,635—the only significant funding raised that year for the epidemic.
August 28
The latest MMWR reports 70 additional cases of KS or PCP since July. Of the 108 total cases, 107 are male, 94% of those with known sexual orientation are gay or bisexual, and 40% have already died.
September 15
The National Cancer Institute and CDC cohost the first conference on the new disease in Bethesda, Maryland. Fifty leading clinicians gather to share insights and make recommendations on future studies related to epidemiology, virology, and treatment.
September 21
San Francisco dermatologist Dr. Marcus Conant and oncologist Dr. Paul Volberding open the first dedicated Kaposi’s Sarcoma clinic at the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center. Along with colleagues Dr. Constance Wofsy and Dr. Donald Abrams, they lead the city’s early response to AIDS.
December
In New York, pediatric immunologist Dr. Arye Rubinstein at Albert Einstein Medical College treats five Black infants with symptoms resembling those seen in gay men—severe immune deficiency and PCP. He suspects AIDS is affecting children of women who use drugs or engage in sex work, but his diagnosis is largely dismissed.
December 10
Bobbi Campbell, a nurse in San Francisco, becomes the first person with KS to go public. Calling himself the “KS Poster Boy,” he begins writing a column titled Gay Cancer Journal for the San Francisco Sentinel and displays photos of his lesions in a drugstore window to raise awareness.
By Year’s End
The U.S. has recorded 337 cumulative cases of severe immune deficiency: 321 adults/adolescents and 16 children. Of those, 130 have died by December 31.
1983
January 1: Ward 86, the world’s first dedicated outpatient clinic for AIDS patients, opens at San Francisco General Hospital through a partnership with the University of California, San Francisco. Staffed by compassionate healthcare providers, the clinic pioneers the San Francisco Model of Care, which integrates medical treatment with social support services in a single location. This approach, emphasizing dignity, comprehensive care, and community collaboration, becomes a global standard in HIV treatment.
January 4: The CDC convenes a public meeting to discuss protecting the nation’s blood supply from AIDS. Attendees include representatives from the FDA, NIH, the blood and hemophilia communities, and gay rights advocates. However, the group fails to reach agreement on specific actions.
January 7: The CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) documents the first reported cases of AIDS in women, specifically among female sexual partners of men diagnosed with AIDS in New York.
March 4: A new CDC MMWR article identifies key populations affected by AIDS: gay men with multiple partners, people who inject drugs, Haitians, and those with hemophilia. The report suggests AIDS may be caused by an infectious agent spread through sexual contact or blood exposure and offers prevention recommendations.
March 14: Activist Larry Kramer publishes 1,121 and Counting in the New York Native, an urgent call for the gay community to confront government inaction and demand faster scientific progress on AIDS research.
May: Richard Berkowitz and Michael Callen, both living with AIDS, release How to Have Sex in an Epidemic: One Approach, one of the first publications to promote safer sex and condom use among gay men. The booklet emphasizes empowerment and responsibility for those affected.
May 3: The Kaposi’s Sarcoma Foundation organizes the first AIDS Candlelight Vigils in New York and San Francisco. These public gatherings mark a pivotal moment of visibility and solidarity, with powerful images shared worldwide.
May 18: Congress allocates $12 million for AIDS research and treatment, marking the first federal funding specifically directed toward the epidemic.
May 20: French scientist Dr. Françoise Barré-Sinoussi and her team at the Pasteur Institute announce the discovery of a retrovirus that may cause AIDS. This virus will later be named HIV. In 2008, she and Dr. Luc Montagnier will be awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine for this breakthrough.
May 25: The New York Times features AIDS on its front page for the first time with the headline: “Health Chief Calls AIDS Battle ‘No. 1 Priority’.” By then, 1,450 cases and 558 deaths have been reported in the U.S.
June 12: At the National AIDS Forum in Denver, eleven men living with AIDS take the stage and deliver The Denver Principles, asserting their rights to participate in policy decisions and to be treated with dignity—not as victims. Their statement lays the foundation for the future National Association of People with AIDS.
July 1: The U.S. Public Health Service launches the National AIDS Hotline to address public concerns. Within a month, high call volumes require expanding from three to eight phone lines, with up to 10,000 calls daily.
July 25: Following advocacy by nurse Cliff Morrison, San Francisco General Hospital opens Ward 5B, the nation’s first inpatient unit exclusively for AIDS patients. The ward is staffed by volunteers committed to compassionate, comprehensive care. Its 12 beds fill immediately.
August: The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases begins publishing the AIDS Memorandum, an informal newsletter for sharing unpublished research findings. It circulates until scientific journals start expediting AIDS-related publications.
August 1–2: The U.S. House Subcommittee on Government Operations conducts hearings on the federal response to AIDS.
August 8: Newsweek features activist Bobbi Campbell and his partner Bobby Hilliard on its cover, marking the first time a mainstream U.S. magazine depicts two gay men embracing. The story, “Gay America: Sex, Politics, and the Impact of AIDS,” brings national attention to the crisis.
September 2: To address concerns about AIDS transmission in medical settings, the CDC publishes the first occupational safety guidelines for healthcare professionals.
September 9: A new MMWR article confirms the primary transmission routes of HIV—sexual contact, blood, and perinatal exposure—and rules out transmission via casual contact, food, air, or surfaces.
September 30: In New York, physician Dr. Joseph Sonnabend faces eviction for treating AIDS patients. With help from Lambda Legal and the Attorney General, he files the nation’s first AIDS-related discrimination lawsuit.
November 22–25: The World Health Organization holds its first international meeting on AIDS and initiates global surveillance of the epidemic.
1984
April 23: U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Margaret Heckler announces a major scientific breakthrough—Dr. Robert Gallo and his team at the National Cancer Institute have identified the retrovirus believed to cause AIDS, which they name HTLV-III. Heckler also unveils a new blood test to detect the virus and expresses optimism that a vaccine could be available within two years.
July 13: The CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report states that avoiding injection drug use and minimizing needle-sharing practices could be effective strategies in preventing the spread of the virus, underscoring the importance of harm reduction.
August 15: Prominent AIDS activist Bobbi Campbell passes away at age 32 due to AIDS-related complications. Campbell had become a national face of the epidemic, advocating for the rights and dignity of people living with AIDS.
October 9: The New York Times reports that emerging scientific data suggests AIDS might be transmissible through saliva. This claim sparks widespread fear and confusion, though it will later be disproven by scientific research.
October 10: Public health officials in San Francisco order the closure of local bathhouses, citing concerns over high-risk sexual activity contributing to the spread of AIDS. The move is controversial and marks one of the earliest instances of government intervention in public venues related to the epidemic.
1985
January 11: The CDC updates the official AIDS case definition, affirming that the disease is caused by a newly identified virus. It also issues provisional guidelines for screening blood donations to reduce transmission risk.
March 2: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves the first commercial blood test for HIV—the ELISA test. Blood banks across the country begin screening donated blood, marking a critical step in protecting the blood supply.
April 10: The CDC removes Haitians from the list of groups considered at elevated risk for AIDS, responding to growing criticism of racial and ethnic stigmatization.
April 15–17: The first International AIDS Conference is held in Atlanta, co-hosted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the World Health Organization. Scientists and policymakers from around the globe gather to share knowledge and coordinate responses to the epidemic.
April 22: Larry Kramer’s autobiographical play The Normal Heart debuts Off-Broadway at the Public Theater. Set in the early years of the AIDS crisis, the play captures the urgency and division within the gay community—between those demanding immediate action from government and medical institutions, and those focused on building care systems for the ill.
May 1: As Is, the first Broadway play to focus on AIDS, opens. It tells the poignant story of a gay couple reuniting after one partner is diagnosed with AIDS. The production receives widespread acclaim and runs for 285 performances.
July 25: Actor Rock Hudson reveals he has AIDS, becoming the first major U.S. celebrity to do so. His announcement transforms public perception and fuels a dramatic increase in media coverage about the epidemic.
August 27: Ryan White, a teenager in Indiana who contracted AIDS through contaminated blood products used to treat his hemophilia, is barred from attending his middle school. His family's legal fight to reinstate his right to an education garners national attention and helps shift public attitudes toward compassion and awareness.
August 31: The Pentagon announces that beginning October 1, all new military recruits will be screened for HIV. Those testing positive will be denied entry into the armed forces.
September 17: President Ronald Reagan publicly addresses AIDS for the first time, calling it a "top priority" while defending his administration against criticism over insufficient research funding.
October 2: Rock Hudson dies at age 59 from AIDS-related complications. In his will, he bequeaths $250,000 to help launch the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR). Actress Elizabeth Taylor becomes the organization’s first National Chairman.
October 2: U.S. Congress allocates nearly $190 million for AIDS research, increasing the funding by $70 million over what the Reagan administration had requested. The House also urges the President to appoint an "AIDS czar" to coordinate national efforts.
October 25: The New York State Public Health Council authorizes local health departments to shut down gay bathhouses, bars, and clubs where “high-risk sexual activity” is believed to occur.
December 4: The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors enacts strict regulations on bathhouses to help curb the spread of HIV. Bathhouse owners challenge the regulations in court and ultimately prevail in 1986, with the court ruling that such venues can serve as platforms for HIV education.
December 6: The CDC releases new guidance aimed at preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Recommendations include postponing pregnancy until more is known and avoiding breastfeeding. By this time, 217 pediatric AIDS cases have been reported in the U.S., with a 60% mortality rate.
December 13: Dwight Burk, a 20-month-old toddler in Pennsylvania, dies of AIDS. He is the first child born with AIDS to a hemophiliac parent, drawing further attention to the epidemic’s impact on children and families.
December 13: The Pasteur Institute files a lawsuit against the U.S. government, seeking formal recognition that French researchers first discovered the virus that causes AIDS. The suit also requests permission for its licensees to sell HIV tests without infringement claims and seeks a share of royalties collected by the U.S. government.
December 19: A Los Angeles Times poll reveals that a majority of Americans support quarantining individuals with AIDS, underscoring the fear and misinformation still prevalent. By the end of 1985, the United Nations confirms that HIV has been reported in every region of the world.
1986
January 16 – The CDC reports a staggering rise in AIDS diagnoses, noting that more people were diagnosed in 1985 than in all previous years combined. New AIDS cases rose by 89% compared to 1984. The mortality rate remains high, with 51% of adults and 59% of children diagnosed having died. On average, patients die approximately 15 months after diagnosis. Experts warn the number of new cases could double in 1986.
May 1 – The International Committee on the Taxonomy of Viruses officially names the virus that causes AIDS as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), standardizing its global classification.
July 18 – At the National Conference on AIDS in the Black Community in Washington, DC, leaders from minority communities meet with U.S. Surgeon General Dr. C. Everett Koop. This pivotal gathering leads to the unofficial founding of the National Minority AIDS Council, reflecting growing concern over the impact of HIV/AIDS in communities of color.
October – The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation launches the AIDS Health Services Program, allocating $17.2 million for patient-care pilot projects across 11 cities. The initiative aims to replicate the successful “San Francisco Model of Care” while adapting services to local community needs.
October – The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) introduces its first HIV/AIDS-specific initiative—the AIDS Service Demonstration Grants program. In its inaugural year, $15.3 million is distributed to New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Miami, cities hardest hit by the epidemic.
October 22 – Surgeon General Dr. C. Everett Koop releases the Surgeon General’s Report on AIDS. The report emphasizes that HIV cannot be transmitted through casual contact and urges a national education campaign, including early sex education, condom use, and voluntary testing.
October 24 – The CDC highlights disproportionate rates of AIDS among African American and Latino communities, especially among children. Alarmingly, 90% of perinatally acquired AIDS cases occur in these populations.
October 29 – The Institute of Medicine (IOM) publishes Confronting AIDS: Directions for Public Health, Health Care, and Research. The report calls for a sweeping media, education, and public health campaign, and recommends establishing a National Commission on AIDS. The IOM estimates a $2 billion investment will be needed for research and care by decade’s end.
1987
February
AIDS activist Cleve Jones creates the first panel of the AIDS Memorial Quilt to honor his friend Marvin Feldman, who passed away from an AIDS-related illness on October 10, 1986, at age 33. Each quilt panel measures 3 feet by 6 feet—the size of a traditional grave.
On February 1, the World Health Organization (WHO) launches the Special Programme on AIDS. Its mission includes raising global awareness, developing evidence-based policy, funding national programs, conducting research, encouraging NGO involvement, and advocating for the rights of people with HIV. In 1988, it will be renamed the Global Programme on AIDS.
Just days later, on February 4, famed pianist Liberace dies at age 67. While his doctor claims he succumbed to a heart attack caused by a brain infection, an autopsy confirms that Liberace died of AIDS-related complications. The case fuels a national debate on the privacy rights of people with AIDS.
March
On March 12, playwright and activist Larry Kramer founds the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP) in New York City. The grassroots group is created to apply political pressure on government bodies, health agencies, and corporations to act urgently on HIV/AIDS. TIME Magazine will later call ACT UP “the most effective health activist [group] in history.”
March 19 sees a historic breakthrough as the U.S. FDA approves AZT (zidovudine), the first antiretroviral drug for AIDS treatment. The same day, the FDA also streamlines access to experimental medications, cutting approval times by 2–3 years.
ACT UP holds its first major protest on March 24, targeting Wall Street. Protesters demand immediate drug access, the end of government-funded placebo trials, affordable medications, robust public education, anti-discrimination protections, and a national AIDS policy.
On March 31, President Ronald Reagan and French Prime Minister Jacques Chirac announce a resolution to a years-long scientific dispute over the discovery of the AIDS virus. The two nations agree to share patent rights and royalties from an HIV blood test, with proceeds going to a new AIDS research foundation.
April
From April 6–9, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. C. Everett Koop convenes a national workshop on pediatric HIV/AIDS. The resulting report urges expanded medication access for infected children and greater school support.
On April 7, the FDA approves the use of condoms as a method of HIV prevention.
April 19 becomes a landmark moment when Princess Diana is photographed shaking hands with an HIV-positive patient at a London hospital—challenging AIDS stigma and becoming a global advocate for compassion and awareness.
Later that month, on April 29, the FDA approves the Western blot test kit, a more precise method for detecting HIV antibodies.
May
On May 15, the U.S. Public Health Service adds HIV to its list of "dangerous contagious diseases," barring infected individuals from obtaining visas. Mandatory HIV testing for visa applicants is instituted—a ban that remains in place until 2010.
May 31 marks President Reagan’s first public speech addressing the AIDS crisis, years into the epidemic.
June
On June 24, President Reagan signs an Executive Order establishing the first Presidential Commission on AIDS to advise on national policy.
August
A report released August 4 by the Society of Actuaries warns that AIDS-related insurance costs could surpass $50 billion by the year 2000.
On August 5, a federal judge orders Florida’s DeSoto County School Board to allow three HIV-positive brothers—Ricky, Robert, and Randy Ray—to attend school. Their diagnosis had led to their exclusion. Following the decision, community backlash erupts, and on August 28, the Ray family’s home is burned down in an act of arson.
On August 14, the CDC releases guidelines for HIV counseling and testing.
Four days later, on August 18, the FDA authorizes the first human trials of a potential HIV vaccine.
On August 21, the CDC issues universal precautions for healthcare workers to prevent HIV transmission.
September
On September 30, the CDC launches its first national AIDS public service campaign, America Responds to AIDS, timed with the newly established AIDS Awareness Month in October. The campaign focuses on educating a diverse audience with the message that “everyone is at risk.”
October
A Gallup poll released in October shows that 68% of Americans consider AIDS the most urgent health issue facing the world.
On October 11, the AIDS Memorial Quilt is publicly displayed for the first time on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The exhibit showcases 1,920 panels and attracts over 500,000 visitors.
Three days later, on October 14, the U.S. Senate passes the Helms Amendment with a 94–2 vote. The amendment mandates that federally funded AIDS education emphasize sexual abstinence and prohibits content perceived to "promote" homosexuality or drug use.
On October 22, the United Nations General Assembly debates AIDS for the first time in history. The body pledges a system-wide UN response, with WHO designated to lead.
November
In November, journalist Randy Shilts publishes And the Band Played On, a groundbreaking account of the early years of the AIDS crisis.
Also in November, Debra Fraser-Howze, head of teen services at the Urban League of New York, establishes the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS. The organization focuses on mobilizing Black leaders to combat HIV/AIDS and related health disparities in their communities.
On November 13, the American Medical Association declares that physicians have an ethical duty to care for all individuals with HIV or AIDS, regardless of symptoms or stage of illness.
1988
March 3: Ryan White, a teenager from Indiana and national advocate for AIDS education, testifies before the President’s Commission on AIDS. He shares his personal experiences with stigma and discrimination as a young person living with AIDS.
May 26: U.S. Surgeon General C. Everett Koop launches the first nationwide HIV/AIDS education campaign. A groundbreaking move, the government mails 107 million copies of the Understanding AIDS booklet to households across the country. An additional four million copies in Spanish are distributed to Latinx organizations. This effort marks the largest public health mailing in U.S. history and the first time the federal government provides explicit sexual health information directly to the public.
July 23: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announces it will permit the importation of limited quantities of unapproved drugs for individuals with life-threatening illnesses, including those living with HIV/AIDS.
August: The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) awards $4.4 million in grants to 11 states and Puerto Rico to support the first pediatric AIDS service demonstration projects. These initiatives aim to reduce mother-to-child HIV transmission and to develop family-centered, community-based care for children living with HIV, while also addressing HIV prevention among at-risk youth.
August 9: David Purchase, a drug counselor, launches the country’s first needle-exchange program in Tacoma, Washington. Operating from a sidewalk with support from the local mayor and police chief—but funded out of his own pocket—Purchase exchanges 13,000 clean needles within five months. His work lays the foundation for the North American Syringe Exchange Network (NASEN), earning him the nickname “Godfather of Needle Exchange.”
October 11: More than 1,000 members and allies of ACT UP stage a massive sit-in at the FDA headquarters in Rockville, Maryland, protesting the slow approval process for HIV/AIDS treatments. The protest shuts down operations for the day and results in 176 arrests. Just over a week later, the FDA announces new regulations to accelerate drug approval for critical illnesses.
October 18: The Abandoned Infants Assistance (AIA) Act becomes law. It addresses the growing crisis of “boarder babies”—infants exposed to HIV or drugs who have been abandoned or orphaned and left in hospitals. The law funds demonstration projects focused on transitioning these children into foster care or more stable living environments.
November 4: President Ronald Reagan signs the Health Omnibus Programs Extension (HOPE) Act into law. This marks the first comprehensive federal legislation addressing HIV/AIDS, authorizing funding for prevention, education, and testing. It also establishes the NIH’s Office of AIDS Research and the AIDS Clinical Trials Group.
November 7: The New York City Department of Health launches a pilot needle-exchange program aimed at curbing the spread of HIV among people who inject drugs. The program faces opposition from African American and Latinx community leaders, who argue for more holistic approaches, including drug education, treatment access, and stronger law enforcement efforts.
November 28: Elizabeth Glaser, an HIV-positive mother who lost one of her children to AIDS, founds the Pediatric AIDS Foundation (later renamed the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation). The organization goes on to fund vital research and establish protocols to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
December 1: The world observes the first World AIDS Day, spearheaded by the World Health Organization and backed by the United Nations. The inaugural theme is “Join the Worldwide Effort,” highlighting the need for global solidarity in the fight against AIDS.
December 16: Sylvester James Jr., the iconic openly gay, African American disco singer known simply as Sylvester, dies at age 41 from AIDS-related illness. Celebrated for his powerful voice and trailblazing role in music and LGBTQ+ culture, Sylvester’s legacy continues to inspire; in 2018, the University of Sussex will host an academic conference in his honor.
December 20: Max Robinson, the first Black network news anchor in the United States and a co-founder of the National Association of Black Journalists, dies of AIDS-related illness at the age of 49.
December 27: Joseph Beam, a prominent gay rights activist and editor of In the Life—the first anthology of writings by Black gay men addressing life and loss during the AIDS crisis—dies of an AIDS-related illness just days before his 34th birthday. His work remains a cultural landmark in queer Black literature.
1989
March 9: Renowned photographer Robert Mapplethorpe dies from an AIDS-related illness.
June 16: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issues its first official guidelines for preventing Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP), a common and often fatal opportunistic infection affecting people with AIDS.
June 23: The CDC publishes the Guidelines for Prevention of Transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Hepatitis B Virus to Health-Care and Public-Safety Workers, providing critical protocols to protect frontline workers from infection.
September 18: The U.S. Congress establishes the National Commission on AIDS, which convenes for the first time to coordinate and advise on the nation’s response to the epidemic.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) at the National Institutes of Health, publicly supports granting HIV-positive individuals who do not qualify for clinical trials access to experimental treatments, broadening options for patients.
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) awards $20 million through the Home-Based and Community-Based Care State grant program to support HIV care and treatment—marking many states’ initial engagement in direct HIV service provision.
A joint initiative by the CDC and HRSA allocates $11 million to seven community health centers to provide HIV counseling and testing. This program serves as a precursor to services later expanded under the Ryan White CARE Act.
By the end of the year, the total number of reported AIDS cases in the United States reaches 100,000, underscoring the ongoing severity of the epidemic.
1990
January 18: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report a possible case of HIV transmission to a patient through a dental procedure performed by an HIV-positive dentist. This incident sparks widespread public concern and debate over the safety of routine dental and medical practices.
January 26: The U.S. Public Health Service releases guidelines for managing occupational exposure to HIV, including recommendations on the post-exposure use of the antiretroviral drug AZT.
February 16: Pop artist Keith Haring dies from an AIDS-related illness.
April 8: Ryan White, the young AIDS advocate, passes away at age 18 due to complications from AIDS.
May 21: Activists from ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) stage a protest at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), demanding accelerated HIV treatment development and broader inclusion of women and people of color in clinical trials.
June: The 6th International AIDS Conference convenes in San Francisco. In protest of U.S. immigration policies that bar entry to people living with HIV, several domestic and international NGOs boycott the event.
July: The U.S. Congress passes the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities, including those living with HIV/AIDS.
August: Congress enacts the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act, allocating $220.5 million in federal funding for community-based HIV care and treatment in its first year. Administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), this becomes the largest federally funded HIV program in the nation.
October 26: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves the use of zidovudine (AZT) for treating pediatric AIDS.
The CDC adopts a new HIV prevention counseling model that emphasizes a “client-centered” approach, focusing on the individual patient rather than solely on the disease.
1991
The Visual AIDS Artists Caucus launches the Red Ribbon Project, creating the now-iconic red ribbon as a powerful visual symbol to show support and compassion for people living with AIDS and their caregivers. The red ribbon quickly becomes the international emblem of AIDS awareness.
The U.S. Congress passes the Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS (HOPWA) Act, administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This legislation provides housing assistance grants to states and local communities to support people living with AIDS.
On July 21, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issue recommendations imposing restrictions on HIV-positive healthcare workers. Subsequently, Congress enacts legislation requiring states to either adopt these CDC guidelines or develop their own regulations.
In August, Congress enacts the Terry Beirn Community-Based Clinical Trials Program Act, establishing a network of community-based clinical trials focused on HIV treatment.
The National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC), in collaboration with the National Association of People With AIDS (NAPWA) and the National AIDS Interfaith Network, holds the first annual National Skills Building Conference, which later evolves into the United States Conference on AIDS.
On November 7, basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson publicly announces that he is HIV-positive, bringing renewed attention to the epidemic.
On November 24, Freddie Mercury, the legendary lead singer and songwriter of the rock band Queen, dies of bronchial pneumonia caused by AIDS.
1992
The 8th International AIDS Conference, initially planned for Boston, is relocated to Amsterdam because of U.S. immigration restrictions preventing people living with HIV/AIDS from entering the country.
AIDS becomes the leading cause of death among U.S. men aged 25 to 44.
On May 27, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a rapid 10-minute diagnostic test kit, enabling healthcare professionals to quickly detect HIV-1.
On December 1, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launch the Business Responds to AIDS program, aimed at helping businesses of all sizes address the impact of HIV/AIDS in the workplace and the broader community. (In 1995, the CDC will introduce the Labor Responds to AIDS program.)
On December 13, Florida teenager Ricky Ray dies from an AIDS-related illness. Ray, a 15-year-old hemophiliac, and his two younger brothers became national figures after their legal battle to attend school sparked boycotts and even arson attacks on their home.
1993
President Clinton establishes the White House Office of National AIDS Policy (ONAP) to coordinate the federal response to the epidemic.
World-renowned ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev dies of AIDS-related illness on January 6, followed by tennis legend Arthur Ashe on February 3.
On May 7, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves the female condom, providing women with a new method of protection against HIV.
In June, Congress passes the NIH Revitalization Act, which gives the Office of AIDS Research primary authority over all NIH AIDS research. The law also mandates increased inclusion of women and minorities in research studies. However, it also formally enshrines the U.S. HIV immigration ban, which President Clinton signs into law on June 10.
August sees the launch of two major federally funded research initiatives focused on women and HIV: the Women’s Interagency HIV Study and the HIV Epidemiology Study.
On December 18, the CDC broadens the official AIDS case definition to include individuals with CD4 counts below 200. It also adds three new conditions—pulmonary tuberculosis, recurrent pneumonia, and invasive cervical cancer—to the list of AIDS indicators, increasing diagnoses among women and injection drug users.
The CDC implements a community-planning process aimed at improving the targeting of local HIV prevention efforts.
The National Association of People With AIDS (NAPWA) hosts the first annual “AIDS Watch,” drawing hundreds of community members to Washington, DC to advocate for increased federal funding.
The film Philadelphia, starring Tom Hanks as a lawyer living with AIDS, premieres as the first major Hollywood movie to address the epidemic.
Tony Kushner’s Angels in America, a groundbreaking play about AIDS, wins both the Tony Award for Best Play and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1993.
1994
AIDS becomes the leading cause of death among Americans aged 25 to 44.
On February 17, Randy Shilts, a prominent journalist known for his groundbreaking coverage of the AIDS epidemic and author of And the Band Played On: Politics, People and the AIDS Epidemic, dies of AIDS-related illness at 42.
On May 20, the CDC releases Guidelines for Preventing Transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Through Transplantation of Human Tissue and Organs.
On August 5, the U.S. Public Health Service recommends that pregnant women receive the antiretroviral drug AZT to lower the risk of mother-to-child HIV transmission.
Pedro Zamora, an openly gay HIV-positive activist, gains national attention as a cast member on MTV’s The Real World. He passes away on November 11 at age 22.
On December 23, the FDA approves the first oral HIV test, marking the introduction of the first antibody test that does not require a blood sample.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issues guidelines requiring NIH grant applicants to ensure the appropriate inclusion of women and minorities in clinical research.
1995
On February 23, Olympic gold medalist diver Greg Louganis publicly announces that he is HIV-positive.
In March, rapper Eric Lynn Wright, known as Eazy-E, dies from an AIDS-related illness just one month after his diagnosis.
In June, the FDA approves the first protease inhibitor, marking the beginning of a new era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).
On June 27, the National Association of People With AIDS (NAPWA) initiates the first National HIV Testing Day.
On July 14, the CDC releases the first guidelines aimed at helping healthcare providers prevent opportunistic infections in people living with HIV.
President Clinton establishes the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA), which holds its inaugural meeting on July 28.
On September 22, the CDC reviews Syringe Exchange Programs in the United States from 1994 to 1995, while the National Academy of Sciences endorses these programs as an effective part of a comprehensive infectious disease prevention strategy.
President Clinton hosts the first White House Conference on HIV/AIDS on December 6.
By October 31, the U.S. reaches a reported total of 500,000 AIDS cases.
1996
At the 11th International AIDS Conference held in Vancouver, the remarkable success of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) brings renewed hope and optimism to the fight against HIV/AIDS.
For the first time since the epidemic began, the number of newly diagnosed AIDS cases in the U.S. declines.
Although AIDS is no longer the leading cause of death among Americans aged 25 to 44, it continues to be the leading cause of death within this age group for African Americans.
UNAIDS (the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS) officially begins operations, aiming to coordinate global HIV/AIDS efforts and promote unified international action.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves several groundbreaking tools and treatments:
- The first HIV home testing and specimen collection kit (May 14)
- A viral load test to measure HIV levels in the blood (June 3)
- The first non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI), nevirapine (June 21)
- The first HIV urine test (August 6)
On May 20, the U.S. Congress reauthorizes the Ryan White CARE Act, continuing federal support for HIV care services.
In October, the AIDS Memorial Quilt is displayed in full for the final time, covering the entire National Mall in Washington, DC.
Dr. David Ho, a leading HIV/AIDS researcher, champions the “hit early, hit hard” treatment approach, encouraging earlier and more aggressive therapy to improve patient outcomes. For his groundbreaking work, he is named TIME Magazine’s “Man of the Year.”
The International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) is established to accelerate the development of an effective HIV vaccine.
1997
Following the “hit early, hit hard” treatment strategy, highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) becomes the new standard of care for HIV.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report the first significant decline in AIDS-related deaths in the United States, with a 47% drop compared to the previous year, largely attributed to widespread use of HAART.
On May 18, President Clinton announces a national priority to develop an effective HIV vaccine within 10 years and calls for the establishment of an AIDS vaccine research center at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). (The Dale and Betty Bumpers Vaccine Research Center is later dedicated on June 9, 1999.)
On September 26, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves Combivir, a combination pill containing two antiretroviral drugs, simplifying medication regimens for people living with HIV.
On November 21, Congress passes the Food and Drug Administration Modernization Act (FDAMA), which streamlines the drug approval process and permits the sharing of information about off-label drug uses.
UNAIDS estimates that approximately 30 million adults and children worldwide are living with HIV, with around 16,000 new infections occurring daily.
As more patients begin using protease inhibitors, drug resistance becomes increasingly common, raising serious concerns within the HIV/AIDS community.
1998
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that African Americans account for 49% of AIDS-related deaths in the United States. The rate of AIDS mortality among African Americans is nearly ten times higher than that of Whites and three times higher than that of Hispanics.
In March, African American leaders, including members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), are briefed on the severe impact of HIV/AIDS in their communities. They issue a “Call to Action,” urging the President and Surgeon General to declare HIV/AIDS a “State of Emergency” within the African American community.
In October, President Clinton officially designates AIDS as a “severe and ongoing health crisis” affecting African American and Hispanic populations in the U.S., and announces a special package of initiatives aimed at reducing HIV/AIDS disparities among racial and ethnic minorities.
With leadership from the CBC, Congress funds the Minority AIDS Initiative, committing an unprecedented $156 million to enhance prevention and treatment efforts targeting African American, Hispanic, and other minority communities.
On April 20, Donna Shalala, Secretary of Health and Human Services, concludes that needle-exchange programs (NEPs) are effective in reducing HIV transmission and do not encourage illegal drug use. However, the Clinton Administration maintains the federal ban on funding for NEPs.
On April 24, the CDC releases the first national treatment guidelines for antiretroviral therapy in adults and adolescents living with HIV.
On June 25, the U.S. Supreme Court rules that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects individuals in earlier stages of HIV infection—not only those diagnosed with AIDS.
On November 12, Congress passes the Ricky Ray Hemophilia Relief Fund Act in honor of Ricky Ray, a Florida teenager infected with HIV through contaminated blood products. The Act authorizes compensation for individuals with hemophilia and other blood clotting disorders who contracted HIV from unscreened blood-clotting agents between 1982 and 1987.
1999
The Congressional Hispanic Caucus, together with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, holds hearings to examine the impact of HIV/AIDS on Latino communities.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that HIV/AIDS has become the fourth leading cause of death worldwide and the top cause of death in Africa. WHO estimates that 33 million people are living with HIV globally, and that 14 million have died from AIDS.
On February 7, the first National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) is launched as a grassroots effort to increase education and awareness around HIV prevention, care, and treatment in communities of color.
In March, VaxGen, a biotechnology company based in San Francisco, begins the first human HIV vaccine trials conducted in a developing country, starting in Thailand.
On July 19, President Clinton announces the “Leadership and Investment in Fighting an Epidemic” (LIFE) Initiative, aimed at providing funding to combat the global HIV epidemic.
On December 10, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) introduce a new HIV case definition to help state health departments expand surveillance efforts and more accurately monitor the evolving epidemic.
2000
On January 10, the United Nations Security Council holds a historic meeting to discuss the impact of AIDS on peace and security in Africa—marking the first time a health issue is addressed as a threat to global peace and security.
In his State of the Union address on January 27, President Clinton announces the launch of the Millennium Vaccine Initiative, aimed at encouraging the development and distribution of vaccines for HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria.
On April 30, President Clinton officially declares HIV/AIDS a threat to U.S. national security.
On May 10, he issues an Executive Order to help developing countries import and manufacture generic HIV treatments.
In July, UNAIDS, the World Health Organization, and other global health organizations announce a partnership with five major pharmaceutical companies to negotiate lower prices for HIV/AIDS medications in developing countries.
On July 23, leaders of the Group of Eight (G8) Summit — representing Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States — issue a statement recognizing the urgent need for increased HIV/AIDS resources.
In August, the U.S. Congress passes the Global AIDS and Tuberculosis Relief Act of 2000.
In September, the United Nations adopts the Millennium Development Goals as part of its Millennium Declaration, including a specific goal to halt and reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis.
In October, Congress reauthorizes the Ryan White CARE Act for the second time, continuing support for HIV/AIDS care and treatment programs.
2001
May 18 marks the first annual observance of HIV Vaccine Awareness Day.
From June 25 to 27, the United Nations General Assembly holds its first Special Session on AIDS (UNGASS), adopting the Declaration of Commitment and the International Labor Organization’s Code of Practice on HIV/AIDS in the Workplace. The session also calls for establishing a global fund to support countries and organizations in HIV prevention, care, treatment, and medication access.
Newly appointed U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell reaffirms that HIV/AIDS remains a national security threat.
Following offers from generic drug manufacturers to provide discounted HIV/AIDS medications to developing countries, several major pharmaceutical companies agree to lower drug prices for these nations.
On November 14, the World Trade Organization issues the Doha Declaration, affirming developing countries’ rights to manufacture or purchase generic medicines to address public health emergencies such as HIV/AIDS.
The U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) shifts its focus to people living with HIV who know their status but are not receiving care, directing its grantees to address this unmet need.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) unveil a new HIV Prevention Strategic Plan aiming to reduce new HIV infections in the U.S. by 50% within five years.
2002
In January, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria is launched as a collaborative partnership among governments, civil society, the private sector, and affected communities.
On April 25, the Global Fund approves its first round of grants, distributing $600 million to governments and private organizations in developing countries for two-year projects.
On June 25, the United States announces a new framework designed to improve access to essential drugs for poor countries unable to manufacture pharmaceuticals, targeting HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other health crises.
In July, UNAIDS reports that HIV/AIDS has become the leading cause of death in sub-Saharan Africa and the fourth leading cause globally. The epidemic has reduced average life expectancy in the region from 62 to 47 years.
The 14th International AIDS Conference takes place in Barcelona from July 7 to 12. Numerous countries report severe HIV/AIDS epidemics, with many others on the verge of outbreaks.
In September, the U.S. National Intelligence Council releases Next Wave of the Epidemic, a report highlighting the HIV situation in India, China, Russia, Nigeria, and Ethiopia.
On November 7, the U.S. FDA approves the first rapid HIV test kit in the United States, delivering results in as little as 20 minutes with 99.6% accuracy. This blood test can be stored at room temperature, requires no specialized equipment, and can be used outside traditional labs, enabling broader HIV testing.
Globally, 10 million young people aged 15-24 and nearly 3 million children under 15 are living with HIV. This year alone, approximately 3.5 million new infections occur in sub-Saharan Africa, where the epidemic claims an estimated 2.4 million lives.
Concerns about side effects and growing drug resistance begin to challenge the “hit early, hit hard” treatment approach.
2003
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that out of approximately 40,000 new HIV infections annually in the U.S., 27,000 are transmitted by people unaware they are infected.
On January 28, President George W. Bush announces the launch of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) during his State of the Union address. This $15 billion, five-year initiative aims to combat AIDS, focusing primarily on countries with high rates of infection.
On February 24, San Francisco-based biotech company VaxGen reports that its AIDSVAX vaccine trial did not significantly reduce overall HIV infection rates among vaccinated individuals.
On March 31, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation awards a $60 million grant to the International Partnership for Microbicides to support the development of microbicides aimed at preventing HIV transmission.
On April 18, the CDC introduces Advancing HIV Prevention: New Strategies for a Changing Epidemic, an initiative designed to remove barriers to early diagnosis and improve access to quality medical care, treatment, and ongoing prevention services for people living with HIV.
In early June, the Group of Eight (G8) Summit prioritizes HIV/AIDS and announces new funding commitments to the Global Fund. The G8 includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
October 15 marks the inaugural National Latino AIDS Awareness Day in the United States.
On October 23, the William J. Clinton Foundation negotiates price reductions for HIV/AIDS medications from generic drug manufacturers to benefit developing countries.
On December 1, the World Health Organization (WHO) launches the “3 by 5” initiative, aiming to provide treatment to 3 million people living with HIV by 2005.
2004
In January, the U.S. Congress approves the first $350 million allocation for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
In February, UNAIDS launches The Global Coalition on Women and AIDS to increase awareness of how the epidemic disproportionately affects women and girls worldwide.
On March 26, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves the use of oral fluid samples with a rapid HIV diagnostic test that delivers results in about 20 minutes.
On May 17, the FDA issues guidance to fast-track approval of low-cost, safe, and effective co-packaged and fixed-dose combination HIV treatments. This move aims to make high-quality medications more accessible in Africa and other developing regions through PEPFAR.
On June 10, the Group of Eight (G8) Summit leaders—representing Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States—announce plans to establish the Global HIV Vaccine Enterprise, a partnership of government and private-sector organizations to coordinate and accelerate efforts toward developing an effective HIV vaccine.
2005
At its annual meeting in January, the World Economic Forum sets new priorities, emphasizing the fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa and other severely affected regions.
On January 26, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNAIDS, the U.S. Government, and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria announce the success of their joint efforts to expand access to antiretroviral drugs in developing countries, reaching an estimated 700,000 people by the end of 2004.
Also on January 26, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) grants tentative approval for a generic, co-packaged antiretroviral drug regimen to be used under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
May 19 marks the first annual National Asian and Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day in the United States.
On June 2, the United Nations General Assembly holds a High-Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS to review progress toward the targets set during the 2001 UN Special Session on HIV/AIDS.
From July 6 to 8, the Group of Eight (G8) Summit focuses on development issues in Africa, including the ongoing HIV/AIDS crisis. The G8 includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
2006
June 5 marks the 25th anniversary of the first reported cases of AIDS.
March 10 is observed as the inaugural National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day in the United States.
March 20 marks the first annual National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day in the U.S.
From May 3 to 6, the National Institutes of Health’s Office of AIDS Research hosts the conference Embracing Our Traditions, Values, and Teachings: Native Peoples of North America HIV/AIDS Conference in Anchorage, Alaska. Nearly 1,000 participants from American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, First Nations, and U.S. Territorial Pacific Islander communities take part.
On May 31, the United Nations holds a follow-up meeting and publishes a progress report on the implementation of the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS.
On September 22, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issue updated HIV testing guidelines, recommending routine screening for all adults aged 13 to 64 and annual testing for individuals at high risk.
In December, a University of Illinois at Chicago study reveals that medical circumcision reduces men’s risk of acquiring HIV through heterosexual intercourse by 53 percent. The clinical trial, conducted with Kenyan men, was supported by the U.S. National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the Canadian Institute of Health Research.
On December 19, the U.S. Congress reauthorizes the Ryan White CARE Act for the third time.
2007
On May 30, the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNAIDS (the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS) release new guidelines encouraging “provider-initiated” HIV testing in healthcare settings to boost the number of people getting tested.
In June, Rwanda hosts the International HIV/AIDS Implementers Meeting, bringing together more than 1,500 delegates to exchange knowledge on HIV prevention, treatment, and care. The event is co-sponsored by WHO, UNAIDS, the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, UNICEF, the World Bank, and GNP+ (the Global Network of People Living with HIV).
In October, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launch Prevention IS Care (PIC), a social marketing campaign aimed at healthcare providers who care for people living with HIV.
By this year, the CDC reports that over 565,000 people in the U.S. have died from AIDS since the epidemic began in 1981.
2008
In June, the Ugandan Government hosts the International HIV/AIDS Implementers Meeting. The event is co-sponsored by key organizations including the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, UNAIDS, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the World Bank, and GNP+ (the Global Network of People Living with HIV).
On July 31, President George W. Bush signs legislation reauthorizing PEPFAR for an additional five years with funding up to $48 billion. The bill also lifts the longstanding ban on HIV-positive travelers entering the U.S., allowing the Department of Health and Human Services to admit individuals living with HIV/AIDS on a case-by-case basis.
On August 6, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publish updated domestic estimates showing 56,300 new HIV infections annually—significantly higher than the previously estimated 40,000. This increase reflects improved measurement methods rather than an actual rise in infections, with data indicating that the number of new infections has remained relatively stable since the late 1990s.
September 18 marks the first National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day, followed by the inaugural National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on September 27.
2009
Newly elected President Barack Obama calls for the creation of the first-ever National HIV/AIDS Strategy for the United States.
In February, the District of Columbia Health Department’s HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD, and TB Administration reports that Washington, DC has an HIV prevalence rate of 3%, higher than that of many West African countries—enough to classify it as a “severe and generalized epidemic.”
On April 7, the White House and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launch the Act Against AIDS campaign, a comprehensive, multi-year communication effort aimed at reducing HIV infections nationwide. Alongside this, the CDC introduces the Act Against AIDS Leadership Initiative (AAALI) to engage African American institutions in raising HIV awareness and promoting prevention in Black communities across the country.
On May 5, President Obama unveils the Global Health Initiative (GHI), a six-year, $63 billion program designed to take a comprehensive approach to improving global health in low- and middle-income countries, with PEPFAR serving as a key component.
June 8 marks the first annual observance of Caribbean American HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.
On August 17, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) revises its HIV testing policy by eliminating the requirement for written consent, allowing verbal consent instead to encourage more veterans to get tested.
On October 6, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in collaboration with PEPFAR, approves its 100th antiretroviral drug.
On October 30, President Obama announces that his administration will formally lift the HIV travel and immigration ban by January 2010, removing the final regulatory obstacles. This announcement coincides with the news that the International AIDS Conference will return to the United States for the first time in over two decades, scheduled to be held in Washington, DC, in 2012.
On November 24, UNAIDS reports a significant 17% decline in new HIV infections worldwide over the past decade, although East Asia experienced a sharp 25% increase during the same period.
In December, President Obama signs the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2010, which relaxes restrictions on the use of federal funds for needle exchange programs. The law allows federal money to be used for personnel, equipment, syringe disposal, educational materials, outreach, and program evaluation. However, some Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) programs still maintain partial or complete bans on funding needle exchange efforts.
2010
On January 4, the U.S. Government officially ends the HIV travel and immigration ban.
On March 23, President Obama signs the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which broadens healthcare access and prevention services for all Americans, with particular protections for people living with chronic conditions such as HIV that often make healthcare access and affordability challenging.
On July 13, the Obama Administration unveils the first comprehensive National HIV/AIDS Strategy for the United States.
From July 18-23, the 18th International AIDS Conference is held in Vienna, Austria. Key highlights from the conference include:
- On July 19, results from the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa’s (CAPRISA) 004 study are released, demonstrating that antiretroviral-based vaginal microbicides are safe and reduce new HIV infections among women by 39%. Women who adhered closely to the microbicide regimen experienced even greater protection, up to 54%.
- The National Institutes of Health (NIH) announce findings from the iPrEx study, revealing that a daily dose of HIV medication lowered the risk of HIV infection among HIV-negative men who have sex with men by 44%, supporting the effectiveness of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in this population.
Between September 20-22, the United Nations holds a summit to accelerate progress toward the 2015 Millennium Development Goals.
Also in September, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNAIDS, and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) publish their annual Universal Access report for low- and middle-income countries. The report estimates that 5.25 million people were receiving antiretroviral therapy in 2009, with 1.2 million individuals starting treatment that year — marking the largest yearly increase recorded to date.
In 2010, AIDS Action merges with the National AIDS Fund to create AIDS United.
2011
Public discussions begin around whether to lift the longstanding ban on transplants involving HIV-infected organs.
Key federal agencies release plans to support the implementation of the U.S. National HIV/AIDS Strategy.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) launches the 12 Cities Project, an initiative aimed at enhancing and coordinating comprehensive HIV/AIDS planning and response efforts across the 12 U.S. cities with the highest AIDS burden.
On March 23, the world mourns the loss of AIDS activist and award-winning actress Elizabeth Taylor. As one of the earliest celebrity advocates for people living with HIV/AIDS, Taylor was the founding national chairman of amfAR (American Foundation for AIDS Research), a nonprofit dedicated to AIDS research, prevention, treatment education, and policy advocacy.
On June 8, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius hosts an event titled “Commemorating 30 Years of Leadership in the Fight Against HIV/AIDS,” marking three decades of progress.
From June 8 to 10, more than 3,000 participants attend the United Nations High-Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS in New York, which honors key milestones including the 30-year pandemic anniversary and the 10-year commemoration of the 2001 UN General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS. During the meeting, the U.S. and global partners launch a plan to eliminate mother-to-child HIV transmission and ensure mothers’ health.
July 13 marks the first anniversary of the White House National HIV/AIDS Strategy, accompanied by the release of a video titled “President Obama’s National HIV/AIDS Strategy” and an updated implementation plan.
On the same day, two significant studies—the CDC’s TDF2 trial and the Partners PrEP study—provide the first solid evidence that a daily oral dose of antiretroviral drugs can reduce the risk of HIV infection among uninfected individuals exposed through heterosexual contact.
At the International AIDS Society Conference in Rome (July 17–20), researchers announce that two studies confirm daily antiretroviral therapy reduces HIV infection rates by more than 60 percent compared to placebo.
In September, the Office of National AIDS Policy begins holding a series of five regional dialogues to address key implementation challenges for the National HIV/AIDS Strategy.
On September 30, the first “Road to AIDS 2012” Town Hall meeting takes place in San Francisco, kicking off a series of 15 meetings nationwide leading to the XIX International AIDS Conference, scheduled for July 22–27, 2012, in Washington, DC.
On November 8, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton presents the U.S. Government’s bold vision for achieving an AIDS-free generation and highlights three decades of remarkable progress in the fight against AIDS.
On World AIDS Day, December 1, at a ONE Campaign and (RED) event in Washington, DC, President Obama announces intensified efforts to expand HIV/AIDS treatment access in the U.S. He urges the global community to fulfill funding commitments to The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, calls on Congress to uphold its previous pledges, and challenges all Americans to continue working toward ending the epidemic.
On December 23, the journal Science names the HPTN 052 study its 2011 Breakthrough of the Year.
2012
March 13: Researchers from the University of New South Wales in Australia report that individuals living with HIV who are on antiretroviral therapy (ART) face a heightened risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
March 27: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) updates its HIV treatment guidelines, recommending that all HIV-positive adults and adolescents begin treatment, regardless of their CD4 count or viral load.
July 1: A joint survey conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation and The Washington Post reveals that public understanding of HIV transmission remains limited. About 25% of Americans still incorrectly believe that HIV can be spread by sharing a drinking glass—similar to findings from 1987.
July 3: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves the first at-home HIV test, allowing individuals to test themselves and receive immediate results regarding their HIV status.
July 16: The FDA approves Truvada® for use as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). This milestone means that HIV-negative individuals at risk of infection can now take the drug to significantly reduce their chances of contracting the virus through sexual contact.
July 22–27: The XIX International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2012) takes place in Washington, DC—the first time the conference has been held in the United States since 1990. Its return is made possible by the U.S. government’s 2010 decision to lift the ban on HIV-positive travelers.
During the conference, the AIDS Memorial Quilt is fully displayed across Washington, DC, for the first time since 1996. Volunteers rotate nearly 50,000 panels to showcase the entire quilt. In partnership with Microsoft Research, the University of Southern California, the NAMES Project Foundation, and others, a high-resolution, zoomable digital “map” of the Quilt is developed, making the monumental artwork accessible worldwide.
2013
The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) marks its 10th anniversary, celebrating a decade of life-saving global efforts in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
March 4: NIH-funded researchers announce a groundbreaking development—the “Mississippi Baby,” an HIV-positive infant, appears to be functionally cured. The child shows no detectable virus or symptoms despite being off antiretroviral therapy.
June 2: The New York Times publishes two powerful features highlighting the experiences of middle-aged individuals living with HIV: The Faces of H.I.V. in New York in 2013 and ‘People Think It’s Over’: Spared Death, Aging People With H.I.V. Struggle to Live.
June 5: The National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC) releases RISE Proud: Combating HIV Among Black Gay and Bisexual Men, a strategic action plan aimed at addressing the disproportionate impact of HIV on this community.
June 18: Secretary of State John Kerry announces a major milestone—thanks to PEPFAR, over 1 million babies have been born HIV-free since 2003.
July 3: Scientists report that two HIV-positive patients in Boston, who had undergone bone marrow transplants for cancer, show no detectable HIV weeks after stopping antiretroviral therapy—raising cautious hope for a potential cure.
July 13: President Obama signs an Executive Order launching the HIV Care Continuum Initiative. The order directs federal agencies to strengthen support across all stages of HIV care, from testing and diagnosis to treatment and viral suppression.
October: The National Latino AIDS Action Network (NLAAN) releases the National Latino/Hispanic HIV/AIDS Action Agenda, a comprehensive blueprint designed to spotlight key issues and propose solutions to address HIV in Hispanic and Latino communities.
November 21: President Obama signs the HIV Organ Policy Equity (HOPE) Act into law. This legislation allows organ transplants between HIV-positive donors and recipients—potentially saving around 1,000 lives annually among patients with liver and kidney failure.
December 5: Former South African President and global icon Nelson Mandela passes away at age 95. After losing his son to AIDS in 2005, Mandela became a tireless advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness and treatment, especially in South Africa, which has the world’s highest HIV burden with an estimated 6.8 million people living with the virus.
Global Overview: At the close of 2012, UNAIDS estimates 2.3 million new HIV infections and 1.6 million AIDS-related deaths worldwide. Approximately 35.3 million people are living with HIV globally, including over 1.2 million in the United States. UNAIDS also highlights notable progress—25 low- and middle-income countries have cut new HIV infections by over 50%, while access to antiretroviral therapy has surged by 63% in just two years.
2014
January 1: Key consumer protections under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) take effect. Insurance companies can no longer deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions or impose annual limits—critical progress for people living with HIV/AIDS.
January 2: Hopes are dashed as reports confirm that the two Boston patients, once thought to be cured of HIV following cancer treatment, have experienced a relapse.
February 3: amfAR launches Countdown to a Cure for AIDS, a bold $100 million research initiative aiming to develop a widely applicable cure for HIV by 2020.
March 4: Initial results from the PARTNER Study are announced by European researchers. The findings show no HIV transmission between serodiscordant couples when the HIV-positive partner is on antiretroviral therapy and maintains an undetectable viral load.
March: The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women issues a report evaluating the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Progress on MDG6—focused on HIV/AIDS—has been uneven, with the number of women living with HIV still rising. The report highlights key barriers, including adolescent girls' vulnerability, limited healthcare access, gender inequality, stigma, and violence.
March 24: Douglas Brooks is appointed Director of the White House Office of National AIDS Policy (ONAP), becoming both the first African American and the first openly HIV-positive person to lead the office.
April 4: Dr. Deborah Birx is sworn in as the new U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, taking over leadership of PEPFAR from Dr. Eric Goosby.
July 10: In a setback to HIV cure research, the “Mississippi Baby”—once believed to be functionally cured—tests positive for the virus after more than two years of remission without treatment.
July 17: Tragedy strikes when Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 is shot down over Ukraine. Among the 298 victims are six renowned HIV/AIDS researchers and advocates en route to the 20th International AIDS Conference in Melbourne, Australia.
July 20–25: AIDS 2014 gathers nearly 14,000 participants from over 200 countries. A key takeaway is the need for tailored approaches to HIV intervention, particularly in regions where marginalized groups face discrimination and barriers to care.
September 9: The Pew Charitable Trust reports that Southern states have become the new epicenter of the U.S. HIV/AIDS epidemic, drawing attention to geographic health disparities.
October 9: A CDC report reveals significant gaps in HIV care and treatment among Latino communities, highlighting the need for more equitable healthcare solutions.
November 25: CDC data shows that in 2011, only 30% of Americans living with HIV had achieved viral suppression. Alarmingly, two-thirds of those with uncontrolled virus had been diagnosed but were not engaged in care.
December 23: The FDA announces plans to revise its decades-old blood donation policy for men who have sex with men, recommending a change from a lifetime ban to a one-year deferral period since last sexual contact.
2015
January 8: A review of multiple studies involving South African women finds that using the injectable contraceptive Depo-Provera may increase a woman's risk of contracting HIV by 40%.
February 5: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services launches a four-year demonstration project called “Developing Comprehensive Models of HIV Prevention and Care Services for MSM of Color.” The initiative aims to address disparities in HIV prevention and care among men who have sex with men (MSM) of color by supporting innovative, community-based service models.
February 23: The CDC releases its annual HIV Surveillance Report, showing stable HIV diagnosis rates in the U.S. from 2009 to 2013. However, the data confirms that MSM, young adults, racial and ethnic minorities, and individuals living in the South continue to face a disproportionate burden of HIV. On the same day, the CDC reports that over 90% of new HIV infections in the U.S. could be prevented through earlier diagnosis and consistent care.
February 25: Indiana health officials declare an HIV outbreak tied to injection drug use in the southeastern part of the state. By year’s end, 184 cases are linked to this outbreak.
April 15: The National Institutes of Health launches a major international clinical trial to study cardiovascular disease in people with HIV, who are up to twice as likely to experience heart-related conditions compared to those without HIV.
May 8: HHS announces plans to revise federal transplant guidelines to allow organ donations from HIV-positive donors to HIV-positive recipients. This update paves the way for clinical research and life-saving transplants among people living with HIV.
May 27: Results from the START study reveal that people with HIV who begin antiretroviral therapy (ART) early—before their CD4+ counts decline—face significantly lower risks of AIDS-related illnesses. Follow-up findings also show early ART reduces the risk of cancer, heart disease, and other serious conditions.
June 30: The World Health Organization certifies Cuba as the first country to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of both HIV and syphilis.
July 14: UNAIDS announces that Millennium Development Goal #6—halting and reversing the spread of HIV—has been achieved and surpassed nine months ahead of the target date.
July 20: Findings from the HPTN 052 trial confirm that ART is highly effective in preventing sexual transmission of HIV in heterosexual couples when the HIV-positive partner maintains viral suppression.
July 23: The FDA approves the first diagnostic test that distinguishes between HIV-1 and HIV-2 infections, as well as between acute and established infections.
July 30: The White House releases the National HIV/AIDS Strategy: Updated to 2020, which builds on the original plan by incorporating scientific progress, expanded healthcare access under the ACA, and a renewed focus on key populations and regions most affected by HIV.
September 18: The U.S. Departments of Housing and Urban Development and Justice announce a joint demonstration project to provide housing and support services to low-income individuals with HIV who have experienced sexual or domestic violence.
September 26: At a UN summit on Sustainable Development Goals, the U.S. pledges new targets under PEPFAR for 2016–2017. These include providing ART to 12.9 million people, supporting 13 million voluntary medical male circumcisions, and reducing HIV incidence by 40% among adolescent girls and young women in 10 high-burden countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
September 30: WHO issues new guidelines recommending that all people diagnosed with HIV begin ART immediately, regardless of CD4+ count. WHO also endorses daily oral PrEP for those at high risk. These measures are projected to prevent over 21 million deaths and 28 million new infections by 2030.
October 20: Greater Than AIDS launches Empowered: Women, HIV and Intimate Partner Violence, a campaign highlighting the intersection of relationship violence and HIV risk while offering resources to at-risk women.
November 17: Actor Charlie Sheen publicly reveals his HIV-positive status in a nationally televised interview, prompting widespread public discussion. Earlier in the year, artist Mykki Blanco and former child star Danny Pintauro also disclosed their HIV status, contributing to increased visibility and awareness.
November 24: UNAIDS releases its 2015 World AIDS Day report, showing that 15.8 million people worldwide were receiving ART as of June 2015—more than double the number from 2010.
November 30: amfAR announces the creation of the amfAR Institute for HIV Cure Research at the University of California, San Francisco. This marks the centerpiece of a $100 million initiative aimed at developing the scientific groundwork for an HIV cure by 2020.
December 1: The White House unveils a comprehensive Federal Action Plan to support the updated National HIV/AIDS Strategy. Developed by 10 federal agencies and the EEOC, the plan outlines 170 action items to meet strategic goals.
December 6: The CDC reports that new HIV diagnoses in the U.S. dropped by 19% from 2005 to 2014. The most significant declines occurred among heterosexuals, injection drug users, and Black women. While diagnoses decreased among white gay/bisexual men (18%), they increased among Latino (24%) and Black gay/bisexual men (22%), though the rise among Black men has leveled off since 2010.
December 19: In response to Indiana’s HIV outbreak among people who inject drugs, Congress lifts the longstanding ban on using federal funds for needle exchange programs, allowing states and localities more flexibility to prevent similar crises.
December 21: The FDA updates its policy on blood donations from men who have sex with men (MSM), replacing the lifetime ban with a one-year deferral period following the last sexual contact.
2016
January 19: The CDC reports that only 1 in 5 sexually active high school students has ever been tested for HIV. Alarmingly, about half of young Americans living with HIV are unaware of their status.
January 28: Researchers announce findings from an international study involving over 1,900 HIV-positive patients who did not respond to the antiretroviral drug tenofovir. The study suggests that resistance to this critical HIV medication is becoming increasingly widespread.
February 25: At the annual Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI), researchers report the first known case of an individual contracting HIV despite consistently using the preventive medication Truvada®.
March 3: The White House Office of National AIDS Policy, along with the NIH Office of AIDS Research and the National Institute of Mental Health, cohosts a major meeting focused on reducing HIV-related stigma. The event brings together researchers, policymakers, legal experts, faith leaders, advocates, and people living with HIV.
March 3: New research shows that biological differences influence HIV prevention: women require daily doses of Truvada® for effective protection, while men need only two doses per week due to how the drug accumulates in different tissues.
March 29: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issues new guidelines [PDF, 960 KB] allowing state, local, tribal, and territorial health departments to request the use of federal funds to support syringe-services programs (SSPs). While these funds cannot be used to purchase needles or syringes, they may support related health services.
May 24: The NIH and its partners announce plans to launch a large-scale HIV vaccine trial in South Africa in November 2016, pending regulatory approval. This will be the first HIV vaccine trial of this scale since 2009.
June 8–10: The United Nations convenes the 2016 High-Level Meeting on Ending AIDS. Member states pledge to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030. However, the gathering is marred by controversy after over 50 nations block the participation of LGBT advocacy groups. The final resolution makes minimal reference to the communities most vulnerable to HIV: men who have sex with men, sex workers, transgender individuals, and people who inject drugs.
2017
January 4: The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation announces a $140 million investment in the development of a long-acting HIV-prevention implant. This innovative device is designed to deliver HIV medication continuously, offering an alternative to daily pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
May 2: The CDC reports major progress in reducing HIV/AIDS death rates among Black/African Americans from 1999 to 2015. Deaths among individuals aged 18–34 decline by 80%, while those aged 35 and older see a 79% drop.
June 6: The New York Times highlights a startling reality: as a group, Black gay and bisexual men in the United States have a higher HIV prevalence rate than any country in the world.
August 27: RAHMA (Reaching All HIV+ Muslims in America), a Muslim-American organization, launches the first national Faith HIV & AIDS Awareness Day. The initiative aims to engage faith communities across the U.S.—including Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Sikh, Hindu, and Baha’i traditions—in combating stigma and promoting awareness.
September 9: Acclaimed Broadway composer and lyricist Michael Friedman dies of an AIDS-related illness at the age of 41. Known for his work on Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, his death serves as a powerful reminder that HIV continues to be deadly—even among affluent individuals with access to healthcare.
October 6: California Governor Jerry Brown signs a bill reducing the penalty for knowingly exposing a sexual partner to HIV or donating blood without disclosing HIV status from a felony to a misdemeanor. Supported by the public health community, the legislation reflects a shift toward science-based policies, acknowledging that people on effective HIV treatment cannot sexually transmit the virus.
November 6: Harvard University names Sir Elton John its Humanitarian of the Year in recognition of his advocacy and philanthropy. Since 1992, the Elton John AIDS Foundation has raised over $385 million for global HIV/AIDS initiatives.
November 12: Antron-Reshaud Olukayode, an Atlanta-based performance artist, writer, and HIV educator, dies of an AIDS-related illness at age 33. He had been an outspoken advocate and featured participant in the CDC’s Let’s Stop HIV Together campaign.
December 4: Gilead Sciences launches the COMPASS Initiative (COMmitment to Partnership in Addressing HIV/AIDS in Southern States), pledging $100 million over 10 years to support community-based organizations combating the HIV epidemic in the U.S. South.
2018
January 15: Dr. Mathilde Krim, a pioneering geneticist and virologist, passes away at age 91. After shifting her focus from cancer research to AIDS in the early 1980s, she founded the AIDS Medical Foundation in 1983 and later became the founding chairwoman of amfAR (the Foundation for AIDS Research) in 1985. She played a vital role in raising hundreds of millions of dollars for HIV/AIDS research, prevention, and advocacy. The New York Times honors her legacy, calling her “America’s foremost warrior in the battle against superstitions, fears, and prejudices that have stigmatized many people with AIDS.”
January 24: The National Institutes of Health launches a large-scale international study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of antiretroviral treatments for pregnant women living with HIV and their infants. The study aims to expand knowledge of how newer HIV medications perform during pregnancy to ensure the best outcomes for both mother and child.
January 28: PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) celebrates its 15th anniversary. When the program began in 2003, only 50,000 people in Africa had access to lifesaving HIV treatment. Today, PEPFAR supports over 14 million people worldwide.
April 16: Austrian singer and Eurovision winner Conchita publicly discloses her HIV-positive status after a former boyfriend threatens to blackmail her. In her statement, she reveals that she has been virally suppressed through treatment for many years and expresses hope that her openness will fight the ongoing stigma against people living with HIV.
May 3: An international research team finds that early initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) is crucial to preventing brain atrophy in people living with HIV. MRI scans show that untreated HIV leads to shrinking in certain brain regions—but once ART begins, the damage halts and some brain volume is restored. The findings underscore the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
June 11: A landmark study examining nearly 150,000 U.S. veterans finds that sustained viral suppression through early ART significantly reduces the risk of AIDS-related cancers—and to a lesser extent, other cancers—in people living with HIV. However, the study also reveals that long-term viral suppression does not fully eliminate the heightened cancer risk when compared to HIV-negative individuals.
June 28: A Northwestern University study called Keep It Up! shows that an interactive online HIV prevention program tailored to young men who have sex with men (ages 18–29) reduces sexually transmitted infections by 40%. Using a mix of video content, soap opera segments, and games, it becomes the first digital HIV prevention program to show measurable biological outcomes.
July 18: A global study reveals that people living with HIV are twice as likely to develop heart disease compared to HIV-negative individuals. Reviewing data from nearly 800,000 people in 153 countries, researchers find that the burden of HIV-related cardiovascular disease has tripled over the past two decades as more people survive longer with HIV.
August 1: Scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory demonstrate that computer simulations can accurately model how HIV spreads through populations. Their findings, validated against over 840,000 actual HIV DNA sequences, offer health departments a new tool to monitor outbreaks and target prevention efforts more effectively.
September 7: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Policy holds the first in a series of listening sessions to begin updating the National HIV/AIDS Strategy and the National Viral Hepatitis Action Plan. The session, held at the U.S. Conference on AIDS in Orlando, brings together community leaders, people living with HIV, service providers, and other stakeholders.
September 28: A study among men who have sex with men in Thailand finds that having a concurrent sexually transmitted infection does not hinder an individual’s ability to reach and maintain an undetectable viral load. The results provide further support for the Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U) message.
October 17: A study from New South Wales, Australia, shows that a targeted rollout of PrEP with high adherence among 3,700 men who have sex with men led to a 25% drop in new HIV diagnoses within a single year. It’s the first study to confirm PrEP’s effectiveness at the population level.
November 20: The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force issues a draft recommendation encouraging healthcare providers to offer PrEP to individuals at high risk of HIV. The panel gives the recommendation an “A” rating—its highest level—highlighting PrEP’s strong, evidence-based effectiveness when used as prescribed.
December 1: The world observes the 30th anniversary of World AIDS Day, a global day of remembrance, awareness, and continued commitment to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
2019
January 30: Researchers funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) unveil a breakthrough tool designed to measure the effectiveness of HIV cure efforts. This new method allows scientists to accurately and easily count the cells comprising the HIV reservoir—a major barrier to curing the virus—offering crucial insight into whether experimental cure strategies are successful.
February 5: In his State of the Union address, President Donald J. Trump announces a bold initiative to end the HIV epidemic in the U.S. within 10 years. The plan, Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America, aims to reduce new infections by 75% in five years and by 90% by 2030. The initiative combines cutting-edge biomedical prevention tools, effective treatments, and advanced data strategies, with the goal of preventing an estimated 400,000 new infections over the decade.
February 7: The NIH launches a Phase 2 clinical trial to increase HIV prevention options for adolescent girls and young women in southern Africa. Known as the REACH (Reversing the Epidemic in Africa with Choices in HIV prevention) trial, the study will assess the safety and acceptability of oral PrEP and a vaginal ring among 300 participants aged 16–21 across sites in Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.
March 4: At the 2019 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI), scientists announce a second case of an HIV cure. Dubbed the “London Patient,” this individual has shown no detectable HIV for over three years following a bone marrow transplant from a donor with natural HIV immunity and has been off ART for 18 months. Like the “Berlin Patient” before him, this case offers further proof that HIV can be cured under specific conditions, though the procedure remains too risky for widespread use.
March 25: Johns Hopkins Medical Center performs a historic first in the United States—a living donor HIV-positive to HIV-positive kidney transplant. This milestone expands possibilities for organ transplants among people living with HIV.
May 9: NIH launches the LATITUDE trial (Long-Acting Therapy to Improve Treatment Success in Daily Life) to test long-acting injectable ART formulations. The study targets individuals who struggle with adhering to daily oral medication, evaluating whether periodic injections can offer a more manageable and effective alternative.
June 11: The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force issues “A” grade recommendations for HIV screening and prevention. The guidance advises clinicians to screen all adolescents, adults, and pregnant individuals for HIV and to offer PrEP to those at high risk, reinforcing the importance of early detection and proactive prevention.
December 3: A new Vital Signs report from the CDC reveals that progress in lowering new HIV infections in the U.S. has stalled. The findings underscore the urgent need to scale up HIV testing, treatment, and preventive services to meet national epidemic-ending goals.
December 11: The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announces that clients receiving medical care through the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) achieved a record-high viral suppression rate of 87.1% in 2018. More than half of all individuals diagnosed with HIV in the U.S. benefited from RWHAP services that year, underscoring the program’s vital role in national HIV care.
2020
August 17: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) launches AHEAD: America’s HIV Epidemic Analysis Dashboard. This interactive tool offers national and jurisdiction-level data on the six key indicators of the Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) initiative. It enables federal, state, and local partners to monitor progress and guide efforts toward achieving EHE goals.
November 19: The CDC publishes a new study revealing that the age-adjusted HIV-related death rate among people living with HIV in the U.S. dropped by nearly 50% between 2010 and 2017. This significant decline is largely attributed to earlier testing, timely diagnoses, and improved access to life-saving treatments. The findings highlight the critical importance of sustaining and expanding the work of the EHE initiative.
December 7: The Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) HIV/AIDS Bureau releases the 2019 Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) Client-Level Data Report. The report shows a record-high viral suppression rate of 88.1% among clients receiving RWHAP medical care. This milestone underscores the program’s success and the ongoing need to strengthen HIV diagnosis, care, and treatment efforts under the EHE framework.
2021
January 15: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) releases the HIV National Strategic Plan for the United States: A Roadmap to End the Epidemic 2021–2025. The plan sets a 10-year target to reduce new HIV infections by 90% by 2030. It outlines four overarching goals supported by specific objectives and strategies for stakeholders across all sectors. Closely aligned with the Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) initiative, the HIV Plan reinforces the initiative as a key driver of national HIV response efforts.
January 21: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves Cabenuva (a combination of cabotegravir and rilpivirine) — the first complete, long-acting injectable HIV treatment regimen. Administered once monthly, it offers an alternative to daily oral antiretroviral therapy, marking a major advancement in HIV care.
March 17: HRSA’s Bureau of Primary Health Care announces significant early outcomes from 195 health centers participating in the EHE initiative. Between March and November 2020:
- 93% of centers hired dedicated HIV staff
- Over 573,000 people were tested for HIV
- 2,260 individuals who tested positive received follow-up within 30 days
- Nearly 50,000 individuals were prescribed PrEP
These results demonstrate early success in scaling up HIV testing, prevention, and treatment services at the community level.
June 5: The world commemorates 40 years since the first official report of what would become known as AIDS. President Biden, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, and Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken share messages honoring the lives lost and the resilience of the over 38 million people living with HIV worldwide. Events across the U.S. reflect on past challenges and progress toward an AIDS-free future.
December 1: The White House releases the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (2022–2025), reaffirming the Biden Administration’s commitment to a robust, inclusive response to the epidemic. The updated strategy sets bold goals for ending the HIV epidemic by 2030, and outlines four primary goals, 21 objectives, and 78 strategies for both federal and community partners. It replaces the previous HIV National Strategic Plan and calls for a whole-of-society effort to improve care, reduce new infections, and support people living with HIV.
December 1: The CDC updates its HIV PrEP guidelines to expand access and usage among all individuals who could benefit, aiming to reduce barriers and improve prevention outcomes.
December 16: HRSA issues a letter encouraging Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) service providers to expand access to gender-affirming care for transgender and gender-diverse individuals living with HIV. With 2.1% of RWHAP clients identifying as transgender, the guidance emphasizes the importance of affirming, culturally competent services in supporting health equity.
December 21: The FDA approves Apretude (cabotegravir extended-release injectable), the first long-acting injectable PrEP option for adults and adolescents at risk of HIV. Administered once every two months, this breakthrough provides an alternative to daily oral PrEP and expands prevention options for people in the U.S.
December 21: HRSA releases the 2020 Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Client-Level Data Report, showing a record-high viral suppression rate of 89.4% among clients receiving care. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, this outcome reflects the continued effectiveness of RWHAP in helping clients achieve and maintain viral suppression.
2022
January 7: The National Institutes of Health’s Office of AIDS Research publishes its five-year NIH Strategic Plan for HIV and HIV-Related Research. This plan serves as a roadmap for allocating funds to advance the NIH-wide HIV research agenda, prioritizing investment in the most promising scientific opportunities.
June 6: The Department of Defense updates its policies regarding military personnel living with HIV. Due to advances in diagnosis, prevention, and treatment, service members can no longer be discharged or separated solely based on HIV-positive status. Additionally, HIV status cannot restrict their deployability or ability to commission.
June 15: HHS’ Office of HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Policy (OIDP) launches a national awareness campaign, “I am a Work of ART,” aimed at encouraging people with HIV who are out of care to reengage with treatment and achieve viral suppression through antiretroviral therapy (ART).
June 30: The White House Office of National AIDS Policy (ONAP) convenes prosecutors, public health officials, legal experts, and infectious disease specialists to discuss modernizing state HIV-specific criminal laws. The goal is to ensure these laws reflect current scientific understanding of HIV transmission risks.
July 29: At the 2022 International AIDS Conference, the Biden-Harris Administration and global partners reaffirm the evidence-based message of “undetectable = untransmittable” (U=U), confirming that people living with HIV who maintain an undetectable viral load through consistent treatment do not sexually transmit HIV to HIV-negative partners.
August 26: ONAP releases the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS) Federal Implementation Plan, outlining more than 380 programs, policies, research initiatives, and activities that dozens of federal agencies will implement during fiscal years 2022–2025 to meet NHAS goals.
September 29: The Indian Health Service (IHS) announces $1.2 million in three-year cooperative agreements awarded to seven tribes, tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations. These funds support efforts to eliminate HIV, hepatitis C, and sexually transmitted infections in Indian Country.
October 1: The CDC restructures its Division of HIV Prevention, removing “AIDS” from its title to better reflect the division’s focus on high-impact HIV prevention.
October 9: At the U.S. Conference on HIV/AIDS (USCHA), OIDP launches “Celebro mi salud,” the Spanish-language version of the I am a Work of ART national viral suppression campaign.
November 17: HRSA issues the Fiscal Year 2023 Ending the HIV Epidemic - Primary Care HIV Prevention (PCHP) Notice of Funding Opportunity. This competitive grant will invest $50 million to expand HIV prevention services at health centers in EHE priority jurisdictions, focusing on underserved communities.
December 1: The U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps announces updates to its medical standards to allow future applicants living with chronic hepatitis B or HIV to join the uniformed service.
December 2: The Indian Health Service marks World AIDS Day 2022 by releasing the Indigenous HIV/AIDS Syndemic Strategy (Indigi-HAS). Developed in collaboration with all regions of Indian Country, the strategy integrates the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, Viral Hepatitis National Strategic Plan, and Sexually Transmitted Infections National Strategic Plan, with additional focus on the needs of Indigenous populations.
December 16: HRSA publishes the 2021 Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Client-Level Data Report, showing that more than 576,000 clients received services through the program in 2021. Of these clients, a record 89.7% achieved viral suppression, underscoring the program’s critical role in delivering high-quality HIV care and treatment.
2023
February 1: HHS updates HIV clinical practice guidelines to clarify breastfeeding and chestfeeding options for people with HIV, promoting shared decision-making between patients and healthcare providers.
February 21: A clinical study funded by the NIH demonstrates that long-acting injectable antiretroviral therapy can improve viral suppression in people who have difficulty adhering to daily oral HIV treatment.
March 31: The Biden-Harris Administration announces new initiatives to support transgender communities, including a landmark report on affirming LGBTQI+ youth—especially transgender youth—and new guidance on gender inclusion in the workforce. Transgender women remain a priority population in the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS).
April 24: SAMHSA releases a Draft Harm Reduction Framework—the first comprehensive document outlining harm reduction approaches within HHS. The framework calls for health hubs that integrate HIV, viral hepatitis, and other healthcare services for people who use drugs.
May 11: The FDA updates blood donor eligibility guidelines, ending longstanding discriminatory policies that barred gay and bisexual men from donating blood, while maintaining safety measures for blood recipients.
May 18: In response to the ongoing mpox public health emergency, HHS distributes prevention resources targeting LGBTQI+ communities and expands mpox vaccination efforts for at-risk groups, including people living with HIV.
June 8: The Biden-Harris Administration announces new measures to protect LGBTQI+ communities from attacks on their rights and safety. These include launching an LGBTQI+ Community Safety Partnership and enhancing support for LGBTQI+ youth, ages 13–24, who are a priority population in NHAS.
June 13: HHS announces phase 1 winners of two national HIV and aging challenges, funded by the Minority HIV/AIDS Fund. These initiatives aim to develop innovative solutions to improve health outcomes for older adults living with HIV, with special focus on racial, ethnic minority, and LGBTQI+ populations.
July 28: An NIH-supported study reveals that statins may reduce the elevated risk of cardiovascular disease in people with HIV by over one-third, potentially preventing one in five major cardiovascular events or premature deaths in this population.
September 20: Enrollment begins for an NIH-supported Phase 1 trial of a preventive HIV vaccine candidate, VIR-1388, at six sites across the U.S. and South Africa. The trial will assess the vaccine’s safety and its ability to trigger an HIV-specific immune response.
October 2: The CDC releases draft guidelines for using doxycycline as post-exposure prophylaxis (Doxy PEP) to prevent certain bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs). With STI rates rapidly rising in the U.S., this measure aims to reduce STI-related HIV transmission risks.
October 18: CDC publishes preliminary data showing that in 2022, for the first time, over one-third of Americans who could benefit from pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) had been prescribed it. Increasing PrEP coverage is a key strategy in the Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) initiative.
December: The White House releases the National HIV/AIDS Strategy 2023 Interim Action Report, detailing federal partners’ commitments to policies, research, and activities through fiscal years 2022–2025. The report highlights significant progress made by community, state, and federal efforts toward meeting the Strategy’s goals.
2024
February 22: The NIH announces results from a study demonstrating that long-acting HIV treatment outperforms daily oral antiretroviral therapy (ART) in achieving viral suppression among adults who face challenges with daily pill adherence.
February 29: HHS issues updated guidelines for statin therapy in people living with HIV. These recommendations are based on findings from the NIH-supported REPRIEVE trial, which showed that daily statin use reduces the risk of major cardiovascular events by more than one-third in this population.
April 26: Francisco Ruiz, MS, is appointed as the new director of the White House Office of National AIDS Policy.
June 4: The CDC publishes new clinical guidelines for doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (doxy PEP) to prevent bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This represents the first new STI prevention method in decades. Concurrently, HRSA’s HIV/AIDS Bureau (HAB) issues a program letter advising Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) grantees to offer doxy PEP to populations likely to benefit.
July 10: The NIH releases the first federal clinical recommendations in the U.S. for anal cancer prevention among people with HIV, informed by results from the NIH-supported ANCHOR trial.
August 14: The White House and HHS open a public comment period to gather input for developing the National HIV/AIDS Strategy 2026–2030, along with the next national strategic plans for STIs, viral hepatitis, and vaccines.
August 22: HRSA releases new data from the Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) initiative, showing that in 2022, HAB EHE-funded providers served over 22,000 clients newly engaged in care and re-engaged an estimated 19,204 clients. This nearly doubles the number of clients served compared to 2020.
October 1: CMS announces a new Medicare coverage decision requiring Medicare Part B to cover PrEP medication and related services without cost-sharing for individuals identified by their providers as at increased risk for HIV.
October 24: The Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and the Treasury issue updated guidance clarifying that, under the Affordable Care Act, insurers must cover both daily and long-acting injectable PrEP to prevent HIV without cost-sharing.
November 27: The Biden-Harris Administration publishes a final rule removing key barriers to kidney and liver transplants between donors and recipients living with HIV. This landmark policy expands organ transplant access for people with HIV facing end-stage chronic diseases.
December 2: PEPFAR releases its 2024 global results, reporting more than a 500% increase in new PrEP enrollments since 2020, with 2.5 million people enrolled in PrEP during fiscal year 2024 alone.
December 5: HRSA’s Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program publishes its 2023 data report, showing a record 90.6% of clients achieved viral suppression—surpassing national viral suppression rates.
December 5: The White House Office of National AIDS Policy publishes the 2024 National HIV/AIDS Strategy Progress Report, highlighting recent federal efforts to implement the Strategy, presenting the latest data on key indicators, and identifying areas needing further focus to meet national HIV goals.