Facts & figures

Despite the progress made in granting easy access to drugs, globally the AIDS epidemic is far from being under control.

Globally, there were an estimated 33 million people living with HIV in 2007: The latest UNAIDS/WHO AIDS Epidemic Update reveals that the HIV epidemic has stabilised on a global scale, although with unacceptably high levels of new HIV infections and AIDS deaths.

Global facts 2007

• Approximately 33 million people were living with HIV in 2007.
• The annual number of new HIV infections declined from about 3.0 million in 2001 to 2.7 million in 2007.
• Overall, 2.0 million people died due to AIDS in 2007, compared with an estimated 1.7 million in 2001.
• Sub-Saharan Africa is home to 67% of all people living with HIV.
• An estimated 50% of all HIV infections are now found in women. In 1996 it was only 12%.
• Young people aged 15 to 24 account for an estimated 45% of new HIV infections worldwide.
• An estimated 370 000 children younger than 15 years became infected with HIV in 2007.
• Globally, the number of children younger than 15 years living with HIV increased from 1.6 million in 2001 to 2.0 million in 2007. Almost 90% live in sub-Saharan Africa.

Extensive database of HIV/Aids resources: For a detailed overview of latest facts and figures about HIV/Aids, please look up the latest UNAIDS/WHO AIDS Epidemic Update.