HIV/AIDS Facts

• By the end of 2003, an estimated 42 million around the world were living with HIV/AIDS. During the year, 5 million people became infected and an estimated 3 million people died.
  
  
• The 5 million new infections in 2003 include an estimated 600,000 to 700,000 children, over 90% of who were infected through mother-to-child transmission (MTCT).
  
  
• In the 45 most affected countries, an estimated 68 million people will die prematurely because of AIDS during the two decades between 2000 and 2020.
  
  
• More than 70 percent of those infected live in sub-Saharan Africa.
  
  
• Sub-Saharan Africa, the worst affected region, is now home to 29.4 million people living with HIV/AIDS. In 2002, 3.5 million were infected, and an estimated 2.4 million Africans died.
  
  
• About one-third of people living with HIV/AIDS are 15-24 years of age.
  
  
• To date, the AIDS pandemic has left behind more than 14 million orphans, more than 92 percent of who live in Africa.
  
  
• More than 7 million people in Asia and the Pacific are living with HIV/AIDS.
  
  
• In seven African countries, 20% or more adults (defined as people aged 15-49 years) are estimated to be infected with HIV/AIDS.
  
  
• According to the latest estimates by UNAIDS, more than US$10 billion will be needed in 2005 to pay the cost of effective prevention, treatment, care and support programs in low- and middle-income countries.