Changing symbolism and slogans in HIV-AIDS philately

Index Home

Part 1 (1981-2007)

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Scientific evidence shows that the virus sneaked into human beings around 1920s. We realised its existence, about six decades later, in early 1980s. Mankind had just emerged from successful small-pox eradication, when in 1981, Center of disease control (CDC) reported a cluster of unusual pneumonias. Doctors saw these pneumonias in illicit-drug users and gay-men, unsure about the cause of failing immunity. We coined the term AIDS in 1982, and discovered HIV next year, in 1983. Two years later, in 1985 came the first HIV test. This was also the year for initiation of screening all donated-blood for HIV.

The HIV-AIDS “Problem”

1985-88 were eye-openers in history of HIV-AIDS. We learned enormity of the problem, only when we started testing. Epidemiologists estimated that there are over a million HIV-positives in US. Tests detected HIV-positive individuals across the globe. Many famous personalities had succumbed to AIDS. Screening found many children, who had received blood products to be HIV-positive. First drug to treat AIDS (Zidovudine) had just become available. In this context, in 1988 San Marino issued first Postage stamp highlighting the “problem.”

Raging war and defense

By 1988, we knew that HIV transmits thought sexual-route. We had also established its transmission through needles, and blood-products. The same year, first HIV positive woman had given birth. We then knew that it also transmits from mother-to-child.

Emergence of the red-ribbon

Today red-ribbon is a powerful symbol of AIDS awareness. Distressed by many of their colleagues with AIDS, a group of artists in New-York formed VisualAIDS. This collective would meet to discuss ways to increase AIDS-awareness. In 1991 US was engaged in first Gulf-war, and yellow-ribbon was a popular symbol for solidarity with US-armed forces. Marc Happel, a costume designer wondered if there should be a symbol for HIV-AIDS, as this struggle was no-less than a war. He suggested red-ribbon at a VisualAIDS meeting in 1991. Artists were encouraged to wear it at events. By 1992 the symbol had become global.

United States issued first red-ribbon postage stamp in 1993. The symbol appeared in most HIV-AIDS postage stamps in subsequent years. This was also a time-period for some research advances. In 1991, we established that HIV-drug Zidovudine prevented transmission from mother to child.

The peak

By 1995, newer drugs against HIV were developed. It was the beginning of highly effective anti-retroviral therapy or HAART. In the very next year, 1996 Brazil became the first country in the world to offer HIV drugs without out-of-pocket expenses. In the same year, UNAIDS was formed to coordinate global HIV response. We had reached a peak in 1997, with more than 3 million new HIV-positive cases detected in one year. Postage stamps were however becoming more hopeful.

Shedding our taboos

We had realised at the dawn of the century that HIV is a global phenomenon. It was not entirely about IV-drug users or homosexual men. As blood products were secured, and we could reduce transmission from HIV-postive mothers to their children, we had to move to the next level. Ongoing transmission was between the sexes, and we needed to be open about safe-sex. This was often in conflict with established religious practices.

Improving AIDS treatment – Global fund

While HAART was available, its reach was limited. Most countries did not have access to medicines, or monitoring. First real revolution came in 2002-03 when global fund was establish to treat AIDS. This expanded the number of positives on treatment. Postage stamps were more up-beat in the coming years. They had more colours than red, full of hope and concern.

Coming together of Communities

As we make progress, and have reduced the number of new cases after 1997, the number of new cases worldwide is stagnant around 2.5 million annually. Next blog showcases post-2008 stamps that are filled with more colours and hope.