A.I.D.S. Cases Increased By 25,000 In 1987 (Press, 5 January 1988)

In 1987, the world saw 25,000 new reported cases of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (A.I.D.S.), with researchers expressing doubts about the development of an effective vaccine before the year 2000. The World Health Organisation (W.H.O.) reported that as of December 2, there were 71,751 cases in 128 countries, although this figure was likely underreported, with estimates suggesting at least 150,000 people were infected globally. The United States had the highest number of victims at 47,022, followed by Europe with 8,620 cases and Africa with 8,490 cases. A U.S. government report issued in November warned that between five to ten million people worldwide were projected to be infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (H.I.V.), the agent responsible for A.I.D.S. This number could potentially increase tenfold in the coming years, highlighting the fact that no country accurately tracks the number of infections. About half of those infected with A.I.D.S. had died, according to W.H.O. estimates. The disease primarily spreads through sexual contact, shared needles among drug users, infected blood, and from pregnant women to their babies, with transmission patterns differing across regions. In Africa, it was primarily a heterosexual issue, whereas in North America, Latin America, and Europe, it predominantly affected the homosexual community and drug users. In 1987, two A.I.D.S. vaccine candidates were cleared for clinical testing in the United States, and one was being trialed in Zaire. W.H.O. chief epidemiologist Dr. Jose Esparsa referred to these experimental vaccines as "candidate vaccines." Dr. Martin Hirsch, a U.S. A.I.D.S. researcher, suggested it might take a decade or more to develop a safe and effective vaccine, but some experts warned that such a vaccine might never be found. The only government-approved drug for treating A.I.D.S. was AZT (azidothymidine), licensed in March 1987. While AZT could not cure A.I.D.S., it helped mitigate the severity of related infections. The side effects of AZT, such as a decrease in white blood cell counts and anaemia, prompted researchers to explore drug combinations to improve efficacy. With no solution yet in sight, efforts shifted towards education and prevention, with the number of U.S. states mandating A.I.D.S. education in schools tripling over six months. France planned to distribute a film to teach public school students about A.I.D.S. prevention, and the European Economic Community launched a five-year medical research programme focused on A.I.D.S. with an investment of $26 million. In Zaire, which faced criticism for being a potential A.I.D.S. epicentre, the government began providing information to W.H.O. for the first time. Alarmingly, even Asia, previously thought to be less affected, was warned of impending challenges related to A.I.D.S., given poor health practices. In February 1988, W.H.O. initiated its Special Programme on A.I.D.S. to assist countries in developing strategies for research and education, gathering over 90 nations to collaborate with the programme, which boasted a funding of $39.25 million in 1987. The consensus among health officials was clear: overcoming A.I.D.S. required a global effort.

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