History & Timeline

The HI virus has been known since the early 1980s. AIDS-Hilfe Heidelberg e.V. (today: Aidshilfe Heidelberg e.V.) was founded in 1986. A lot has happened since then. You can read all about it here (some links are available in German only):

1981 to 1989

Beginning of the HIV epidemic • Founding our organization / launching our first services and office space • The very first HIV medication • The first-ever World AIDS Day

1981

In the US, the very first cases of the illness are observed among gay men.

1982

The Robert Koch Institute starts keeping an AIDS case registry for Germany.

1983

The virus is identified for the very first time by a French research team led by Françoise Barré-Sinoussi and Luc Montagnier. The initial press reports in Germany spark a wave of mass hysteria.
Doctor and researcher Eilke Helm makes the first-ever HIV diagnosis in Germany for a patient at the Frankfurt University Hospital [Read more] (Available in German only).
The Deutsche Aidshilfe (German AIDS Association) is officially founded.

1984

The very first HIV antibody test is developed.

1985

The Federal Centre for Health Education publishes its very first informational brochure on AIDS: "What You Should Know About AIDS." Thanks to an initiative by Federal Minister of Health Rita Süssmuth, a copy is mailed directly to every single household in Germany [Read More].
The first-ever International AIDS Conference takes place in Atlanta, USA.
In Germany, testing all blood products for HIV officially becomes mandatory.

1986

On January 22nd, thanks to the initiative of a group of gay men, Aidshilfe Heidelberg is officially founded! In the beginning, dedicated volunteers run a telephone counseling hotline right out of their own homes and start up a support group for those affected.

1987

On February 25, 1987, the Bavarian state government passed an "Action Plan to Combat AIDS," which included provisions for mandatory testing for everyone and the institutional segregation of those affected [Read More]. This approach was supported by the Bavarian State Secretary at the time, Peter Gauweiler [Spiegel magazine article]. Numerous people protested against these measures, and ultimately, the preventive approach championed by the AIDS service organizations (Aidshilfen)—and supported by the federal Minister of Health at the time, Rita Süssmuth—prevailed.
AZT (Retrovir®) became available as the first medication against HIV in Germany, though its efficacy was limited [Read More].
Political activists worldwide united in the network ACT UP (AIDS Coalition To Unleash Power). One of their first major actions was a "die-in" in New York to protest for free access to medication and sensible prevention, as well as against the discrimination of those affected [Read More].
The German AIDS Foundation (Deutsche AIDS-Stiftung) was founded [Read More].
The first job creation scheme (ABM) position at Aidshilfe Heidelberg was established, operating out of a small office on Römerstraße. The first public relations working group (Öffentlichkeitsarbeitsgruppe - ÖAG) also took place.

1988

In January, Aidshilfe Heidelberg moved into its own premises on Bunsenstraße, offering regular anonymous telephone counseling, in-person consultations, and prevention events.
Support groups began meeting regularly in the new spaces. Both volunteers and full-time staff provided care and companionship to affected individuals through life and in death. The first support group for family members and relatives was established.
The WHO declared December 1st as World AIDS Day.

1989

The first position subsidized by the state of Baden-Württemberg was established. The first Rainbow Café (Regenbogencafé) took place.
By decree of the Minister of Culture, HIV-positive individuals were prohibited from participating in prevention events at schools.

1990 to 1999

Red Ribbon • Housing project / PositHIV Wohnen in Heidelberg e.V. • New premises: Untere Neckarstraße • Women's work • Support groups • Combination therapies • Initial financial security provided by the City of Heidelberg

1990

AIDS-Hilfe DDR e.V. was founded and registered as an association.
Under the motto "Positive into autumn – no accounting for passion" („positiv in den Herbst – keine Rechenschaft für Leidenschaft“), Deutsche AIDS-Hilfe invited participants to the first Federal HIV-Positive Assembly (Bundespositiveversammlung - BPV) in Frankfurt. In the following years, this event grew into the largest self-help conference on the topic of HIV in Europe.

1991

In New York, the artist group Visual AIDS developed the Red Ribbon as a symbol of HIV activism. The red ribbon initially spread among artists and gay men, but subsequently gained widespread global attention as celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor and Lady Diana wore it. At the AIDS Awareness Tribute Concert at London's Wembley Stadium in memory of Freddie Mercury, who died of AIDS, over 100,000 red ribbons were distributed.
ACT UP protest in Fulda: At the conclusion of the autumn meeting of the German Bishops' Conference, activists protested against defamatory statements made by the Bishop of Fulda, Dyba [Read More on the protest / Read More on ACT UP Germany].
The idea for a housing project in Heidelberg for affected individuals was born.

1992

Move into new, larger premises at Untere Neckarstraße 17. Under the patronage of Mayor Beate Weber, a celebration at Heidelberg Castle concluded a series of events marking the organization's sixth anniversary.

1993

27 people with HIV/AIDS and their relatives are now intensively supported (a year later, that number had already doubled).
Work with and for HIV-positive women is intensified.

1994

The first support group for HIV-positive women takes place.

1995

Studies show that combination treatment using two active ingredients is more effective than monotherapy, making the two-drug combination the new treatment standard.
The housing project by Aidshilfe Heidelberg becomes a reality: Four people move into a wonderful apartment provided by GGH and supported by a staff member from Aidshilfe.

1996

The United Nations establishes UNAIDS.
With the new triple combination therapies (highly active antiretroviral therapy, or HAART), a medical breakthrough is achieved: for the first time, these new medications make it possible to delay the onset of AIDS.
New peer support groups are formed: a mixed HIV-positive group, a relatives' group, a psychologically supervised HIV-positive group, and a group for gay men living with HIV.
Aidshilfe Heidelberg celebrates its 10th anniversary with a formal reception and open house days.

1997

Thanks to intensive prevention efforts, the number of new infections in Germany remains stable for the first time.
For formal reasons, the housing project is transferred from Aidshilfe Heidelberg into its own independent association, PositHIV Wohnen in Heidelberg e.V. (now provided by: aws RheinNeckar).

1998

The art exhibition "AIDS verleiht Flügel" ("AIDS Gives Wings") by Karl Heinz Riegler at the Heidelberg Health Office brings the perspective of an affected individual to a broad public.
A contract with the City of Heidelberg regulates approved subsidies and provides Aidshilfe Heidelberg with greater planning security.

1999

A freelance position for school prevention work is established.

2000 to 2009

15th anniversary • Memorial site • First Star Gala • New premises: Rohrbacher Straße • Breakthrough in HIV research: Swiss Statement (EKAF statement) • Berlin Patient

2001

A new Infection Protection Act (IfSG) enters into force in Germany, replacing the old "Federal Epidemic Act" and the "Venereal Diseases Act" to provide a contemporary framework for prevention.
Worldwide, 40 million people are infected with HIV, and according to the WHO, AIDS is among the four leading causes of death globally.
To mark the 15th anniversary of Aidshilfe Heidelberg, the towers of the Old Bridge in Heidelberg are "decorated" with 16,000 condoms in a student project by the Ludwigshafen University of Applied Sciences; the "Paris Bridge" (Pariser Brücke) sparks intense controversy and discussion.

2005

The dramatic rise of HIV cases in Eastern Europe and Asia impacts HIV trends in Germany and across Europe, prompting the German Federal Government to adopt its "HIV/AIDS Control Strategy," which places a major emphasis on prevention.

2006

The memorial site for those who died of HIV/AIDS is inaugurated at the Mountain Cemetery (Bergfriedhof).
The first Star Gala ("Sternengala") takes place at the Municipal Theater to benefit Aidshilfe Heidelberg, featuring renowned artists performing pro bono. General Manager Peter Spuhler provides the theater and its staff free of charge and donates all proceeds to Aidshilfe.

2007

Under the patronage of Mayor Dr. Eckhart Würzner, the Scheithauer Fountain at Adenauerplatz is dyed blood red, and students from the Ludwigshafen University of Applied Sciences organize a major public event around the fountain to benefit Aidshilfe Heidelberg.
Aidshilfe Heidelberg relocates to new premises at Rohrbacher Straße 22.
According to the Robert Koch Institute, the number of new infections in Germany doubles compared to the year 2001.

2008

A statement by the Swiss Federal Commission for HIV/AIDS (EKAF) revolutionizes HIV prevention by declaring that under certain conditions, HIV-positive individuals are no longer sexually infectious [Read More].
Timothy Ray Brown, the "Berlin Patient", becomes the first person declared cured of HIV. Following a leukemia diagnosis, he received stem cells from a donor who was immune to HIV due to a rare genetic mutation (he passed away from leukemia complications in 2020) [Read More].

2010 to 2019

Friends association of Aidshilfe (Förderverein der AIDS-Hilfe) • Testing evenings • First Pink Monday • 30th anniversary • Social work team grows • PrEP • Self-tests • London Patient

2010

The Friends' Association for Aidshilfe Heidelberg (Förderverein zur Unterstützung der Aidshilfe Heidelberg) is founded.
Data from the Robert Koch Institute records a ten-year peak in new HIV diagnoses in Baden-Württemberg.

2011

The German Federal Government cuts its funding for HIV prevention.
Aidshilfe Heidelberg celebrates its 25th anniversary with an anniversary gala in the Heidelberg Opera Tent.

2012

Die großangelegte Studie „Positive Stimmen“ zeigt, dass auch heute noch Menschen mit HIV/AIDS in Deutschland in sehr vielen Lebensbereichen (Gesundheitswesen, Arbeitsumfeld etc.) stigmatisiert und diskriminiert werden [Mehr Infos].
The large-scale "Positive Voices" (Positive Stimmen) study shows that people with HIV/AIDS in Germany still face stigmatization and discrimination in many areas of life, including healthcare and the workplace [Read More].

2013

In cooperation with the HIV and STI Counseling Service of the Health Department for Heidelberg and the Rhein-Neckar district, Aidshilfe Heidelberg begins offering regular monthly evening consultation hours with testing for HIV and other STIs at its offices, primarily targeting MSM (men who have sex with men).

2014

PositHIV Wohnen in Heidelberg (now provided by: aws RheinNeckar) provides housing support for ten individuals with HIV/AIDS across various care categories.
Aidshilfe now generates 43% of its annual budget through independent revenue. The first "Pink Monday" event takes place at the Christmas market to benefit Aidshilfe Heidelberg.

2015

The diagnostic window for laboratory HIV tests in Germany is shortened from 12 weeks to 6 weeks (though all other testing methods still require a 12-week wait for reliable results).
At Aidshilfe Heidelberg, 146 people with HIV/AIDS and 70 relatives receive close legal counseling and psychosocial support from a team of five social workers.

2016

Aidshilfe Heidelberg celebrates its 30th anniversary featuring a reception hosted by Mayor Prof. Dr. Eckart Würzner at Heidelberg City Hall, with Prof. Dr. Rita Süssmuth and Prof. Hans-Georg Kräusslich as guest speakers; the exhibition "Der Augenblick stellt keine Fragen" featuring artwork and poetry by affected individuals in the City Hall foyer; a public art project by Ludwigshafen University of Applied Sciences students at University Square; and a film series at Karlstorkino.
Aidshilfe Heidelberg now employs nine staff members, including six social workers. 54 supporting members provide financial backing, and 41 active members take on essential tasks. More than 200 people regularly turn to Aidshilfe for support, while PositHIV Wohnen in Heidelberg (now provided by: aws RheinNeckar) supports 13 clients across Heidelberg, the Rhein-Neckar district, and Mannheim. Efforts to support individuals with migration background is expanded.

2017

The number of clients at Aidshilfe Heidelberg and PositHIV Wohnen in Heidelberg (now provided by: aws RheinNeckar) sees a slight decline, but the complexity of care needs for those being supported increases - partly because people with often live longer and frequently feel unsupported by mainstream care services. Anti-discrimination work unfortunately remains as necessary as ever.

2018

Aidshilfe Heidelberg revises its volunteer program concept (Honorary office) to respond to current developments.
Around 40 different HIV medications are currently approved, offering good tolerability and decreasing organ toxicity. The Swiss Statement (EKAF) turns 10 years old, though its message unfortunately still hasn't reached everyone everywhere.
Truvada is approved as PrEP in Germany, becoming affordable at around €50 per month [Read More].
In October, self-tests are approved for sale in pharmacies [Read More].

2019

PrEP becomes a covered benefit under statutory health insurance, and demand rises in our region as well.
The "London Patient" becomes the second person to be virus-free following stem cell treatment [Read More].
Due to high demand, our testing service "Checkpoint" (run in partnership with the HIV/STI counseling service at the Heidelberg/Rhein-Neckar health department) is expanded and now takes place twice a month, opening its doors to everyone rather than just MSM (men who have sex with men).
The number of clients at Aidshilfe Heidelberg and PositHIV Wohnen in Heidelberg (now provided by: aws RheinNeckar) continues to decline slightly, while the average age of the people we support continues to rise.

2020 onwards

COVID-19 pandemic • New management team (Neue Dienststellenleitung) • Long-acting injectable medication (Depotspritze) • Positive Voices 2.0 (Positive Stimmen 2.0) • Expansion of testing services

2020

The COVID-19 pandemic, along with its contact restrictions and hygiene rules, forces Aidshilfe Heidelberg to adapt many of its services. This year, the main focus of our work is on phone and email counseling, supporting affected individuals and their relatives, especially through outpatient-supported living with PositHIV Wohnen in Heidelberg e.V. (now provided by: aws RheinNeckar) and peer support. The Checkpoint had to be temporarily suspended, but a total of 14 sessions still took place. Revenues from events and school prevention decline, but the organization receives a high volume of donations.
The association has to file for short-time work (Kurzarbeit), and all employees work reduced hours. The counseling center remains closed on Fridays for months.
Many familiar events, including the 15th Star Gala, cannot take place.

2021

The second year under pandemic conditions continues to cause service disruptions. Short-time work for the majority of the staff continues through the end of May, and the Star Gala has to be canceled once again.
After 28 years with Aidshilfe, head of management Heidi Emling retires and is succeeded by Juliane Schurig.
In May, the long-acting injectable medication Vocabria® is approved in Germany. For the first time, patients no longer need to take daily pills, receiving an injection every four or eight weeks instead [Read More].
The results of the "Positive Voices 2.0" (Positive Stimmen 2.0) study show that HIV itself rarely limits people's lives, but almost everyone has experienced discrimination, which negatively impacts their mental health [Read More].

2022

Assisted living is reorganized under the Federal Participation Act (Bundesteilhabegesetz): the new "assistance services in one's own living space and community (AWS)" are now offered directly by Aidshilfe, making the PositHIV Wohnen in Heidelberg e.V. association no longer necessary, so it is dissolved.
Thanks to additional state funding, the Checkpoint testing service is expanded: an extra session now takes place once a month on a Saturday, catering primarily to queer and/or non-monogamously living individuals.
Youth prevention efforts are expanded, with Aidshilfe offering sexual health workshops in youth centers.
A wide variety of activities for people living with HIV take place, including informational evenings, creative workshops, picnics, and more.

2023

After 20 years of service, Karl-Heinz Riegler steps down from the executive board.
On World AIDS Day on December 1st, Aidshilfe unveils its new logo and a revised mission statement tailored to its updated mission statement.

History & Timeline

aws RheinNeckar

Friends of Aidshilfe Heidelberg

Share on

Noch Fragen?

Telephone Counseling

Chat Counseling

In-Person Consultation

Looking for an address?