HIV and AIDS Fast Facts
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a collection of symptoms and infections resulting from the specific damage to the immune system caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). AIDS was first reported June 5, 1981. Most researchers believe that HIV originated in sub-Saharan Africa during the twentieth century.
Here are a few additional facts:
- Approximately 33 million people worldwide are living with HIV
- In 2007, there were 2.7 million new HIV infections, including 370,000 children under the age of 15
- In 2007, there were 2 million AIDS-related deaths
- Approximately 45% of new HIV infections occur in young people between the ages of 15 and 24
- In sub-Saharan Africa alone, there are approximately 12 million children who have lost one or both parents to AIDS. (source)
Sub-Saharan Africa remains the epicenter of the AIDS pandemic, yet no country is unaffected. Incidences of HIV/AIDS are rising in many Asian, Latin American, and Eastern European countries as well. CRWRC is working to mitigate the spread and impact of HIV/AIDS in 19 countries:
- Bangladesh
- Dominican Repubic
- Ecuador
- Haiti*
- Honduras
- India
- Indonesia
- Kenya*
- Malawi
- Mozambique*
- Nicarauga
- Niger
- Nigeria*
- Philippines
- Senegal
- South Africa
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Zambia*
* Country receives PEPFAR funding (US President's Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief)