1987-2001: Activism

As the HIV epidemic continued to grow, battles were fought across several fronts to try to ensure that the people most affected and marginalised were kept at the heart of the HIV response and that their human rights were respected. Most notable was the fight for treatment options and access – a battle entrenched in stigma, corporate greed and political inaction.

The early AIDS movement was characterised by some successful campaigning and advocacy. In the 1980s this was led by groups of gay men in developed countries who lobbied for action from their governments to find ways to halt deaths in their communities.

In the late 1990s, the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) saw activists gain a new focus - pharmaceutical companies. Campaigners were now fighting to make treatment accessible for the world’s poorest people as well as those in rich nations.

London declaration on AIDS prevention

A summit of health ministers in London breaks taboos and results in an important declaration pushing for shared information, education and human rights.

‘Young Gay Men Talking’

AVERT publishes ‘Young Gay Men Talking’.

Publications programme

AVERT's publications programme is producing and distributing more than 600,000 leaflets, booklets and manuals a year.

Women talking about AIDS

AVERT publishes groundbreaking booklet telling the personal stories of women affected by HIV and AIDS.

Second HIV drug pre-approved

Dideoxyinosine (ddl) is pre-approved by the FDA for treatment of people with AIDS.

FDA Treatment Access Act

In response to advocacy from people with AIDS, the FDA puts in place regulations to make experimental drugs available to those who have no other options.

Buyers clubs

The first buyers club for AIDS drugs is set-up in New York.

Clinton issues executive order

In an executive order, US President Bill Clinton promises that the USA will not interfere with African countries which violate American patent laws to obtain cheaper antiretroviral drugs.

South African generics

GlaxoSmithKline gives Combivir away in South Africa.

Big Pharma sues South Africa

A coalition of pharmaceutical giants sues South Africa over generics law, but eventually backs down.

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