United Nations Development Programme

Dear friends

This writing pad is for us to keep our notes alongside pictures of some of the key figures from India and around the world in the fight against HIV and AIDS. These figures have come to signify the solidarity and public action that the HIV epidemic has generated over the past more than 25 years.

In addition to featuring the well known, the writing pad also includes many people living with HIV. Many anonymous and some famous, they have almost always contributed to the HIV response in concrete ways and been at the centre of the response. They are artists and filmmakers, chartered accountants and secretaries, living full and productive lives... they are us.

Interwoven throughout is an attempt to chronicle the milestones of the HIV response worldwide-the fast track scientific response, the swift, colourful and ingenious advocacy and activism response to the significant response from the United Nations and international community including a groundswell of action at the community level.

We hope that every time you turn a page you will be reminded that we are all connected by our commitment, and that we must continue to respond to the challenges raised by HIV.

Best regards,

Maxine Olson UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative jah n abi goswami

I was born and brought up at a village called Kampur in Assam. I got married at the age of 16 to a rich man from the city of Guwahati. After his death from AIDS related infections, I came to know that both I and my one year old daughter were HIV Positive. It was the most difficult time for me. Later, I was thrown out by my in-laws and came back to my home in the village. I got strong support from my family and close friends who encouraged me to live a positive life. I joined Assam State AIDS Control Society and it was a turning point in my life. I came to know about other positive people across the country. This was a great feeling to belong and to be needed. I have decided to devote the rest of the life to work for the care and support People Living with HIV & AIDS. I love music and cooking. I also like trying out new things. Whenever I get the time, I love to just sit with my family members and laugh. I am living with the virus for the past 13 years and I would love to live longer. 1981 FIRST AIDS FUND-RAISER HELD Gay activist initiates the formation of the Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC), the first ever AIDS activist organization. 1982 AIDS DEFINED Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is defined for the first time. In the course of the year the three modes of transmission are identified: blood, mother-to-child, and unprotected sexual intercourse. 1983 “THE DENVER PRINCIPLES” PUBLISHED The National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA) releases a mission statement calling for a humane response to the crisis. We are People with AIDS who can speak for ourselves to advocate for our own causes and concerns. We are your sons and daughters, your brothers and sisters, your family, friends and lovers…. We do not see ourselves as victims. We will not be victimized

1,112 AND COUNTING 1,112 and Counting is perhaps the first essay written about the then emerging AIDS crisis. Gay activist Larry Kramer in New York wrote on the new disease killing gay men, "If this article doesn't scare the s*** out of you, we're in real trouble," he begins. "If this article doesn't rouse you to anger, fury, rage, and action, gay men may have no future on this earth. Our continued existence depends on just how angry you can get." 1984 ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE VIRUS On the 23rd of April 1984, Margaret Heckler, the then Health and Human Services Secretary, US, announced that Dr Robert Gallo and his co-workers had discovered the "probable" cause of AIDS A CONFIDENTIAL BLOOD TEST Many activists voice concern about confidentiality and civil rights issues once a test is developed. They ask, "If you get tested…. Will this knowledge be kept private?” my brother n ikhil 1989, Goa: A young man is picked up from his house. No reason is given. He is taken to the local hospital by two policemen and told that he must undergo a physical examination. The examining doctor enters the man's name in a register, on the cover of which is written AIDS. He is arrested and sent to a sanatorium to be kept in solitary confinement. Those were the early days of AIDS in India and awareness was minimal, while fear and misconception were at maximum. This story was developed into a film 'My Brother Nikhil'. 1985 PROJECT INFORM FORMED After watching desperate friends and acquaintances self-medicate with alternative therapies and black-market drugs from Mexico, Martin Delaney, forms Project Inform to share information and accelerate advances in treatment for people living with HIV. This was a first of its kind organization anywhere in the world. ANTIBODY TESTS COMMERCIALIZED The first HIV antibody tests are commercialized in the United States and in Europe. Screening of blood donations for HIV begins. FIRST INTERNATIONAL AIDS CONFERENCE More than 2000 people attend the first ever International Conference on AIDS in Atlanta, USA 1985 / 86 GLOBAL EPIDEMIC The global scope of the growing epidemic becomes manifest. By 1985, at least one case of HIV has been reported in each region of the world. Oprah Winfrey tops the Forbes Richest Women Entertainers list (where Madonna ranks 4th). opThe U.S. talk showr host took an HIV testa in January 2007 at an open day hfor families at the recently opened Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa. Winfrey took the test to encourage students and their families to do the same and to encourage openness wabout HIV and AIDS in thei countryn. frey 1986 A NEW VIRUS DISCOVERED A second type of HIV is discovered. HIV-2 appears to be both less virulent and less infectious than HIV-1, which makes up the bulk of the world's infections. WHO STARTS AIDS PROGRAM The World Health Organization's Global Program on AIDS is started by Dr. Jonathan Mann. NEEDLE EXCHANGE PROGRAMS STARTED Jon Parker, a former drug user, starts the first needle exchange in the U.S. to respond to the spread of HIV among injecting drug users. A TREATMENT BREAKTHROUGH Trials show that AZT slows the progression to AIDS. INTERNATIONAL STEERING COMMITTEE An International Steering Committee for People with HIV/AIDS is created later to become the Global Network of people Living with HIV/AIDS (GNP+). Shaba n a azmi She was one of the first celebrities in India to endorse the HIV campaign. A small film clip issued by the Government of India depicts an HIV positive child cuddled in her arms and saying: “She does not need your rejection, she needs your love”. 1987 AZT APPROVED The first therapy for AIDS, Azidothymidine (AZT), is approved for use in the United States. TASO FORMED IN UGANDA Africa's first community-based response to AIDS (The AIDS Support Organisation or TASO) is formed in Uganda. This later became a role model for community response across the world. AIDS DEBATED ON THE UN FLOOR AIDS becomes the first disease ever to be debated on the floor of the United Nations General Assembly. ACT UP FIGHTS PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES The AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP) is formed to protest the high cost of AZT and the government's slow approval of other drugs. This organization became a role model for other activist organizations across the world.

gic n, e tim all BA o of on e N v a ers re n fi st lay atu o o sll p l n e w ls M a fu h a etb er as Fin A sk che er A NB n ba is are NB the BA r h ul c oth of hr N d fo ssf r b ne m ula an ce fo s o p , c es a t po ills su tim ed oos sk d a ee nor m g e r o he blin lish th s h 2. Jf t rib tab ted wa 00 e o d es lec n 2 on and on s e nso e in as ng ns wa oh am ed ssi Joh nd s, J f F e dg pa s, , a eat ll o l y r s f a ow nn ke rie his ll H ckn nca A La s se or tba s a s u f L nal r. F ke n i hi ar o Fi aye Bas S. nso for st BA Pl he AR oh wn g a e N ble n t YE ic J no ein nin lua d i 15 ag ll-k t. B in Va rine AN M we our yed ost sh TH ing e c la M en RE be th s, p BA and MO off hip d N 96 OR nd ons r an 19 S F a pi ye in IRU ham Pla ers E V c ble lay TH lua st P ITH Va ate W Gre ING 50 LIV EN BE HAS 1988 PROTESTORS SHUT DOWN FDA (Food and Drug Administration, US) AIDS protestors, demanding a quicker approval process for drug treatments, shut down the FDA. GLOBAL SUMMIT IN LONDON Health Ministers from around the world meet in London and discuss the AIDS epidemic for the first time. INTERNATIONAL AIDS SOCIETY FOUNDED The International AIDS Society, an organisation of professionals working on HIV and AIDS, is founded. WORLD AIDS DAY WHO declares 1 December as World AIDS Day. NUMBER OF WOMEN WITH HIV Women account for half of adults living with HIV in sub Saharan Africa (as assessed by models informed by national surveys). 1989 A NEW DRUG FDA allows Didanosine, known as ddl, to be made available. It is formally approved in 1991. NATIONWIDE “DAY WITHOUT ART” On Dec. 1, nearly 600 art institutions mark the second annual AIDS Awareness Day by joining the "Day Without Art," organized by the activist group Visual AIDS. Some close their doors, dim the lights, shroud the art and/or hold memorials. 1990 1 MILLION ORPHANS By 1990 around 1 million children had lost one or both parents to AIDS. AZT APPROVED FOR USE IN CHILDREN FDA gives official approval to prescribe AZT to children. It's the first time an AIDS drug is approved for use in children aged three months to 12 years. INTERNATIONAL AIDS CONFERENCE IN SAN FRANCISCO The conference is boycotted by many foreign health officials and scientists because of U.S. policy barring entrance to foreigners with HIV or AIDS. IA n, Hhingto Was PDenzel L nks, Ha Es Tom by his r D film sta en fired Ag 1993 just be ; L winnin ho has enough I ard r w ood y Aw rs. lawye not g Hcadem d othe ming 's just nd his n A s an d-co he fe P A ndera up-an s claim ed to de iller Ba ung gue min oe M Antonio is a yo collea . Deter rney J eckett former as HIV y atto rew B . His se he h al-injur n. And aw firm becau person inatio ous l fired fierce ul term prestigi 's been hires rongf ays he ndrew m for w rew s ion; A mer fir se. And reputat his for the ca tice. uals. sional sues o take for jus mosex profes m as he uctant t ife and out ho t ent hi ally rel his l ces ab ms tha repres is initi tation, prejudi l chas to y, Joe is repu s and cultura ttorne ng for h n fear al and The a fighti t his ow ep soci is now agains ing de ndrew ghting fight A er is fi o men ther. howev tle of tw toge Joe is a bat s them lphia w bring Philade and no es them separat 1991 AIDS BECOMES INTERNATIONAL SYMBOL OF AIDS AWARENESS. At the Tony Awards, entertainers for the first time wore red ribbons to symbolize AIDS awareness. In the ensuing years, the ribbon becomes a ubiquitous symbol of the epidemic.

ICASO FORMED The global network of non-governmental and community-based organizations ICASO (International Council of AIDS Service Organizations) is formed to mobilize communities and their organizations to participate in the response to AIDS. 1992 HIV POSITIVE INDIVIDUALS ADDRESS CONVENTIONS In July, two HIV-positive individuals Bob Hattoy and Elizabeth Glaser address the 1992 Democratic National Convention. "We are part of the American family, and Mr. President, your family has AIDS,'' Hattoy says to the crowd. THIRD ANTIRETROVIRAL DRUG APPROVED Zalcitabine, known as ddC, is approved by the FDA to be used in conjunction with AZT. CHANGE IN THE DEFINITION OF AIDS The CDC changes the definition of AIDS to expand the list of opportunistic infections that affect HIV- positive individuals, particularly those specific to women and IV drug users. THE SONAGACHI PROJECT A breakthrough sex workers' HIV prevention programme was launched in India, now commonly known as Sonagachi project. NACO ESTABLISHED The National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) was established in India by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. NACO is the implementing entity of the National AIDS Programme. s, mpic g s Oly e ngel os A 84 L e 19s e in th s, nd n i ic a mp 982, Oly ack r in 1 eoul me b s S ca him title 988 sts ut orld e 1 e te nd p o w in th en th g a n tw feat Wh ainin G wo 984 IV. ue tr ion, e a1 H t y. H is the ntin ula stor ts. d h for co c ad n hi ven peate sted im to ubli er igng e e re lf te d h d p se iv i e e n u st d r div 86, h ims vinc als a eca reate owe n 19 ad h con ed IV b he g nd t les i nis h ctor the m for H bly tuard a ip tit uga is do d all sted a o h o h in e prob ingb ions oul, L ver, beh be t is spr amp Se owe at e to anis the ch s in n. H ed th ienc eks . ougooth orld ame ru crib aud we g L in b w c g pic es is e Gre als ore ies. mpi lym is d ed h or fiv Led wo m cult Oly is O gan urg ist f m t fi e n h ou o r L gold ning ut dif re th ndo . e, L e als elle win itho efo aba dals rfac e. H st S er ot w ths b s to me e Su sitiv Be Aft h n mon wa gold g th po time houg ral ction two akin HIV ork alt seve rea in Bre and ew Y 88, itial to w ook, gay t.” e N 19 in nt on is b eing men n th In e, his we g h : b reat er o itiv anis otin crets er t umb pos oug rom o se rop as n T. L our p y tw ith p ," w n AZ a t d b ne w ace . o , on inate do urf ARS 995 om o be the S YE In 1 as d ing t ing N 18 fe w f liv reak THA is li ot o , "B ORE h s a l aphy R M ere' iogr FO “th utob IRUS g's a HE V Gre ITH T G W LIVIN 1993 PULITZER HONOUR Tony Kushner's play about homosexuality and AIDS in the 1980s wins the Pulitzer Prize in April and the Tony Award in June. The Pulitzer Prize, is an American award regarded as the highest national honor in print journalism, literary achievements, and musical composition. The Antoinette Perry Awards for Excellence in Theatre, more commonly known as the Tony Awards, recognize achievement in live American theatre. Tom Hanks wins an Oscar for Best Actor in Philadelphia for his portrayal of an HIV-positive lawyer, wrongfully fired from his job and discriminated against because of his illness. 1994 AZT REDUCES MOTHER-TO-CHILD TRANSMISSION A study finds that only 8.3 percent of children born to HIV-positive mothers who had been given AZT were born infected, as opposed to 25.5 percent of babies born to HIV-positive mothers who were given a placebo. GIPA At the Paris AIDS Summit, 42 national governments declare that the principle of greater involvement of people living with HIV (GIPA) is critical to ethical and effective national responses to the epidemic. THE HUMSAFAR TRUST The Humsafar Trust became the first gay group to be registered in India. "My name is Chris Smith. I'm the Labour MP for Islington South and Finsbury, and I'm gay”, were the opening lines by Christopher Robert Smith in a speech in 1984. These words made him the first openly out gay MP in Westminster. Chrish Smith became a Member of Parliament in Britain for the Labour Party for the constituency of Islington South and Finsbury in 1983. LIVING WITH THE VIRUS SINCE 1987 1995 A TREATMENT BREAKTHROUGH Dr. David Ho and Dr. George M. Shaw discover • From the moment of infection, the immune system is engaged in a pitched battle with HIV. By giving new drugs called protease inhibitors to AIDS patients, both doctors learn that within two weeks, the virus becomes resistant to the drugs. • They then measure virus reproduction rates and find that between 100 million and 1 billion new virus particles are produced daily. • They also learn that T-cells are reproducing at a rate of 1 billion per day. This battle between the immune system and HIV could go on for 10 years or more before the virus begins to win and a person experiences the opportunistic infections associated with AIDS. 1996 AIDS COCKTAIL UNVEILED The 11th International AIDS Conference in Vancouver showcases the development and effectiveness of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), which becomes known as the AIDS cocktail. UNAIDS LAUNCHED The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) becomes operational. BRAZIL PROVIDES FREE DRUGS The government passes a law guaranteeing universal free access to the cocktail in September, and distribution begins in October. TIME MAGAZINE 'MAN OF THE YEAR' Dr. David Ho is named “Man of the Year” by Time magazine to his work in developing the AIDS cocktail. Dia n a princess of wales "People felt if a British princess can go to a ward with people living with HIV, then there's nothing to be superstitious about”, said about the late Princess. The image of her holding hands with someone living with HIV shattered the stigma, prejudice and fear that surrounded HIV in the early days. Diana used her fame and the media to raise money for dozens of causes. One of Diana's favorite causes was for the research and treatment of HIV. This work took Diana's philanthropic efforts internationally, something new to the monarchy of Britain. 1997 SOUTH AFRICA PASSES MEDICINES ACT The law encourages pharmacists to offer generics; establishes a national pricing committee to evaluate fair prices; enables the government to introduce "compulsory licensing," or the ability to manufacture drugs locally; and allows "parallel importation," or the ability to purchase drugs from the country selling them at the lowest price.

Indian Network of Positive People (INP+) launched in India. INP+ is a national network of, for and by people living with HIV/AIDS in India. INP+ exists to provide a sense of belonging and togetherness to people living with HIV. 1998 TREATMENT ACTION CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED In South Africa, on Dec. 10, about 15 people gather on the steps of Cape Town's St. George's Cathedral to demand drugs for South Africans living with HIV. By day's end, they collect more than 1,000 signatures. The petition calls for the government to introduce free AZT for pregnant women, and the Treatment Access Campaign is born. PRICE CUT FOR AZT Responding to pressure from activists and the international community, Glaxo Wellcome announces it will cut the price of AZT. Even with the discount the prices are still exorbitantly high and out of reach for the world's poorest countries. you (ha ha) ll, we will rock We wi mon) will rock you (c We will, we - Queen

FREDDIE MERCURY We Will Rock You, is one of the greatest all time hits by Queen. The lead singer of the band was Freddie Mercury. An all time icon, he is well noted for his vocal abilities and for his live performances. As a songwriter, he composed many international hits, including "Bohemian Rhapsody", "Killer Queen", "Somebody to Love", "We Are the Champions" and "Crazy Little Thing Called Love". Born Farrokh Bomi Bulsaraof of Indian Parsi descent he has been referred to as Britain's first Asian pop star. On November 23rd 1991, the following statement was made on his behalf - “Following the enormous conjecture in the press over the last two weeks, I wish to confirm that I have been tested HIV positive and have AIDS. I felt it correct to keep this information private to date to protect the privacy of those around me. However, the time has come now for my friends and fans around the world to know the truth and I hope that everyone will join with my doctors and all those worldwide in the fight against this disease.” FREDDIE LIVED WITH THE KNOWLEDGE THAT HE WAS HIV POSITIVE FOR 7 YEARS. 1999 AIDS BECOMES AFRICA'S NUMBER ONE KILLER The presidents of Namibia, Nigeria, Botswana and Kenya all publicly address the AIDS epidemics in their countries, though not all of them follow up with concrete action. INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIP The UN launches the International Partnership against AIDS in Africa to bring together key stakeholders to mount an intensified response to the epidemic. 2000 UN SECURITY COUNCIL DEBATES AIDS U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Richard Holbrooke proposes to U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan that the Security Council address HIV and AIDS after visiting Africa and witnessing the continent's burgeoning crisis. The meeting marks the first time the Security Council has convened on a health issue.

"That was a breakthrough because it opened so many doors," explains UNAIDS head Dr. Peter Piot. MDG ANNOUNCED The Millennium Development Goals are announced as part of the Millennium Declaration and include reversing the spread of AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria as one of eight key goals. ACCELERATING ACCESS INITIATIVE UNAIDS and WHO announce a joint initiative with five pharmaceutical companies to increase access to HIV treatment in developing countries (the Accelerating Access Initiative). Makgatho ma n dela Makgatho Mandela - was the son of former South African president and Nobel Prize winner Nelson Mandela. He died of AIDS related complications on 6 January 2005 in . When Nelson Mandela announced the cause of his son's death, he said: "Let us give publicity to HIV/AIDS and not hide it, because the only way of making it appear to be a normal illness, just like TB, like cancer, is always to come out and say somebody has died because of HIV". 2001 INDIAN PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY CUTS PRICE Cipla, a Bombay-based pharmaceutical company, strikes a deal with Doctors Without Borders to provide a year's worth of antiretroviral drugs for $350 per patient -- compared to the $10,000-to- $15,000-per-patient yearly prices in the United States and Europe. Cipla stipulates that the drugs be free to patients. THE DOHA DECLARATION The World Trade Organisation adopts the Doha Declaration allowing for wider access to HIV treatment through generic drugs. DECLARATION OF COMMITMENT The first UN General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS unanimously adopts the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS, which declares AIDS a global catastrophe and calls for worldwide commitment to fight AIDS.

2002 GLOBAL FUND The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria becomes operational and approves the first round of grants. DELHI DECLARATION In the International Policymakers Conference on HIV/AIDS held in New Delhi, the Delhi Declaration was signed by representatives from all participating countries India, Thailand, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Brazil and Nepal.

This was the first time that parliamentarians from developing countries committed as a group to action on AIDS. The Declaration commits signatories to provide and advocate for strong leadership in responding to the AIDS epidemic, and to build on pledges made at UN General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS (UNGASS). Phir Milenge Phir Milenge is hailed as Bollywood's first film on AIDS. Shilpa Shetty plays Tamanna Sahani, an energetic employee working in advertising. An ambitious and hard working person who has made her company successful with her fresh and innovative ideas and is a well appreciated professional. However everything changes when she is tested HIV Positive. She is shunned by her colleagues at work and then is fired from the company. She decides to fight her case in the court of law. Phir Milenge is a journey of an HIV positive person to fight for her rights against all odds and the impact HIV has on people. 2004 THREE ONES An agreement is reached on the 'Three Ones' principle one national AIDS framework, one national AIDS authority and one system for monitoring and evaluation as guiding principles for engagement on AIDS by national and international actors. 2005 CAMPAIGN FOR CHILDREN LAUNCHED UNICEF launches 'Unite for Children Unite Against AIDS,' a global campaign focusing on the enormous impact of AIDS on children. ACCESS TO ART By the end of 2005 1.3 million people in low- and middle-income countries are receiving access to antiretroviral therapy. Bimla Devi Bimla Devi is the first and only HIV Positive Panchayati Member in India. A resident of District Gaya, Village Bhiwar, Bimla Devi is a well known face amongst the local residents not just she because won the Panchayat Election uncontested, but because she disclosed her positive status before the election. People of her village have lots of concern for Bimla and are always ready to help her in her work. An active member of Bihar Network for People Living with HIV/AIDS Society, she participates in all the programs of the society and helps the PLHAs in positive thinking and better living. She encourages HIV positive people to come out so that they can get proper treatment and the support from their communities. 2006 25 YEARS June 5 marks a quarter century since the first HIV case reported in the world. 2007 NACP III Launch of third phase on the national AIDS programme in India RED RIBBON EXPRESS Launch of the first ever Railway project called Red Ribbon Express, to spread awareness through rural and urban India ok h ing s till not see A ia are s le in Ind Peop among their " ing with HIV so people liv eagues and milies and coll friends, fa s to AIDS. late themselve " they don't re - Ashok Pillai - first president of the Indian Network of People living with HIV 2008 REACHING OUT Link Worker scheme starts in India, it aims to reach hitherto unreached rural areas of high HIV prevalence districts of India. ARV II The National AIDS programme makes Second Line ARV Treatment available in India. The first of the series was based on sex workers, their struggles for dignity and citizenship rights, their contribution to the traditional arts of India and the varied ways in which Popular Indian Cinema represents them.

Both notebooks have been developed by Concept: Mona Mishra Research & text: Jarina Tingbo Design: Vishwajyoti Ghosh [email protected] In collaboration with Indian Network of People Living with HIV

This is the second of a series of notebooks that chronicle the life, times and struggles of excluded groups. Copies are available for free distribution, write to [email protected]