June 5, 1981 First official AIDS cases are reported The CDC publishes a report on unusual Pneumocystis pneumonia cases in Los Angeles, marking the first official reporting of what becomes known as AIDS. 1982 The term AIDS is adopted Health authorities begin using the term acquired immune deficiency syndrome for the emerging epidemic. 1983 Virus linked to AIDS is identified Researchers isolate the virus later known as HIV, a major breakthrough in understanding the disease. 1985 First commercial HIV blood test is licensed A blood test for HIV antibodies becomes available, improving screening of blood supplies and diagnosis. 1985 Rock Hudson's death raises public awareness The actor's death brings unprecedented media attention to AIDS. 1986 International AIDS Conference begins The first international conference on AIDS helps consolidate global scientific and policy coordination. 1987 AZT becomes the first approved HIV drug The FDA approves zidovudine, the first antiretroviral medication for HIV. 1987 ACT UP is founded The AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power becomes one of the most influential activist organizations of the epidemic. December 1, 1988 First World AIDS Day is observed World AIDS Day is launched to increase awareness and international solidarity. 1990 Ryan White CARE Act is enacted The United States establishes a major federal program to improve care for people living with HIV/AIDS. 1991 Red ribbon is introduced The red ribbon becomes an enduring symbol of HIV/AIDS awareness and solidarity. 1994 AIDS becomes the leading cause of death for US adults aged 25-44 The epidemic reaches a devastating peak in mortality in the United States. 1995 Protease inhibitors transform therapy A new class of antiretroviral drugs opens the way to more effective combination treatment. 1996 HAART becomes standard treatment Combination antiretroviral therapy dramatically reduces AIDS-related deaths in many countries with access to medicines. 2001 UN General Assembly Special Session addresses HIV/AIDS A dedicated UN session signals the crisis as a central matter of global governance. 2003 PEPFAR is launched The United States begins a large-scale global program to fund HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention. 2010 CAPRISA 004 supports antiretroviral prevention A clinical trial shows that antiretroviral-based prevention can reduce HIV acquisition risk. 2012 First approval of PrEP in the United States Pre-exposure prophylaxis gains approval as a biomedical HIV prevention strategy. 2016 U=U gains broad public recognition The message that undetectable viral load prevents sexual transmission reshapes public understanding of treatment and pr… 2021 Long-acting injectable HIV therapy expands options New long-acting treatment regimens offer alternatives to daily oral therapy.