The epidemic is worsening and is increasingly affecting women
20 million deaths in 20 years
The HIV / AIDS epidemic has caused 20 million deaths since it first appeared 20 years ago. The most affected region is sub-saharan Africa, which accounted for nearly three-quarters, or 2.1 million, deaths in 2006.
+21% increase in 2 years
39.5 million people live with HIV / AIDS, including 2.3 million children under the age of 15. And these figures keep rising, especially in Eastern and Central Asia and Eastern Europe, where the number of infected people rose by over 21% between 2004 and 2006.
3 women for every man
Although women and young girls account for a little less than half of HIV / AIDS cases, they are increasingly being affected by the virus. Among 15–24 year olds in the most affected countries, three women are infected for every man.
4 million orphans
In 2003, over 4 million children in sub-Saharan Africa were orphaned by HIV / AIDS. Over 15 million children in all developing countries have lost at least one parent to this disease.
12% of patients
Despite improved access to antiretroviral (ARV) drugs, only 12% of people infected in developing countries receive this type of treatment.
Sources: UNAIDS (AIDS report December 2006), WHO (Map, Millennium Development Goal 6).