Quick Facts

"We must never lose sight of the fact that AIDS is an exceptional issue which will continue to require an exceptional response from us all—now and in the decades to come," UNAIDS Executive Director Peter Piot

In 2007, 2.5 million new HIV infections were recorded, that is 6800 HIV infections per day. [1]

There were 2.1 million AIDS-related deaths in 2007, 76% of which were in sub-Saharan Africa. [1]

AIDS is currently the world’s fourth leading cause of death. [1]

Today, over 33.2 million people are living with HIV. [1]

More than 15 million children have been orphaned by AIDS, 12 million of whom reside in Africa alone. [3]

TB is the leading AIDS-related killer and in some parts of Africa 75% of people with HIV also have TB. [2]

Of the 33.2 million people worldwide living with HIV/AIDS, 95% live in the developing world. Communities suffering with high incidence of HIV/AIDS have a harder time lifting themselves out of poverty. Less than 15% of people live with HIV/AIDS in developing countries have access to life-saving antiretroviral medications. [1]

AIDS medications, which are widely available in the U.S. and other wealthy countries, allow people living with the virus to lead healthy, productive lives. Using large-scale production, AIDS medication could be produced FOR AS LITTLE AS $200 PER YEAR (about 55 cents a day for each person). [1]

  1. 2007 UNAIDS Epidemic Update
  2. UN Millennium Project
  3. AVERT (www.avert.org)

HIV/AIDS

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that infects cells of the human immune system and destroys or impairs their function (WHO, 2008). It is transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse (anal or vaginal), transfusion of contaminated blood, sharing of contaminated needles, and between a mother and her infant during pregnancy, childbirth and breast-feeding (WHO, 2008). The most advanced stage of HIV infection is acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

AIDS is currently the world’s fourth leading cause of death. Since 1981, 65 million people have been infected with HIV and 25 million have died of AIDS-related illnesses. Today, over 33.2 million people are living with HIV. In 2007, 2.5 million new infections (6800 per day) were recorded, as were 2.1 million AIDS-related deaths (5700 per day)—more than in any previous year.

The epidemic has had a particularly devastating impact on children. Some are infected through pregnancy, childbirth or breast feeding, while others must helplessly watch as their family, friends and community succumb to the disease.

More than 15 million children have been orphaned by AIDS, 12 million of whom reside in Africa alone. The United Nations estimates that unless the international community strengthens its response to the epidemic, there will be 25 million of these children around the world by 2010.

Yet HIV is highly preventable and treatment exists. Effective HIV care—including antiretroviral therapies and regular access to primary health care—have been proven to help people manage their HIV disease and live longer. The challenge is for the international community to recognize and respond to this crisis in which a highly preventable disease has reached a pandemic level, cutting short millions of lives and leaving darkness, tragedy, chaos, suffering and poverty in its wake.

Now that you know, how will you respond?

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