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.
