HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, “acquired immunodeficiency syndrome has become one of the world’s most serious health and development challenges. The first cases were reported in 1981 and today, more than 30 years later: 

• There are approximately 34 million people currently living with HIV and nearly 30 million people have died of AIDS-related causes since the beginning of the epidemic.

• While cases have been reported in all regions of the world, almost all those living with HIV (97%) reside in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.7

• Most people living with HIV or at risk for HIV do not have access to prevention, care, and treatment, and there is still no cure.

• HIV primarily affects those in their most productive years; about half of new infections are among those under age 25.7

• HIV not only affects the health of individuals, it impacts households, communities, and the development and economic growth of nations. Many of the countries hardest hit by HIV also suffer from other infectious diseases, food insecurity, and other serious problems.

• Despite these challenges, new global efforts have been mounted to address the epidemic, particularly in the last decade, and there are signs that the epidemic may be changing course. The number of people newly infected with HIV and the number of AIDS-related deaths have declined, contributing to the stabilization of the epidemic. In addition, the number of people with HIV receiving treatment in resource poor 

• Most new infections are transmitted heterosexually, although risk factors vary. In some countries, men who have sex with men, injecting drug users, and sex workers are at significant risk. 

• Although HIV testing capacity has increased over time, enabling more people to learn their HIV status, the majority of people with HIV are still unaware they are infected.

• HIV has led to a resurgence of tuberculosis (TB), particularly in Africa, and TB is a leading cause of death for people with HIV worldwide.9,10 In 2010, approximately 13% of new TB cases occurred in people living with HIV, and between 2009 and 2010 TB deaths in people living with HIV declined by 10%, largely due to the scale up of joint HIV/TB services.

• Women represent about half of all people living with HIV worldwide, and more than half (60%) in sub-Saharan Africa. HIV is the leading cause of death among women of reproductive age. Gender inequalities, differential access to services, and sexual violence increase women’s vulnerability to HIV, and women, especially younger women, are biologically more susceptible to HIV.

• Young people, ages 15–24, account for 40% of new HIV infections (among those 15 and over).7 Globally, young women twice as likely to become infected with HIV than their male counterparts. In some areas, young women are more heavily impacted than young men. 

• Globally, there were 3.4 million children living with HIV in 2011, 330,000 new infections among children (a decrease of 24% from 2009–2011), and 230,000 AIDS deaths. In 2009, there were approximately 16.6 million AIDS orphans.