UNAIDS 2004 AIDS Epidemic Update 


The recently released UNAIDS 2004 AIDS Epidemic Update reports that approximately 4.9 million people were newly infected with HIV in 2004. Approximately 39.4 million people are living with HIV worldwide, the highest level ever. About 3.1 million died from AIDS in 2004, which brings the total deaths to more than 23 million since the first cases were identified in 1981. 



The new report focuses on the impact of the AIDS epidemic on women, who make up nearly half of the adults living with HIV worldwide.

The CDC has not reported on the number of people living with HIV/AIDS in the United States since its 2002 report.

According to UNAIDS, the epidemic in the United States "is now disproportionately lodged among African Americans and is affecting much greater numbers of women."

"In 2003, African Americans accounted for at least 25% of all AIDS cases, compared with 20% in 2001."

"Although African Americans represent just 12% of the country's population, over half of new HIV diagnoses in recent years have been among them (in 2002 the proportion was 54%, according to the most recent available data). Especially affected are African American women, who account for up to 72% of new HIV diagnoses in all US women."

"The majority of people living with HIV in the United States of America are men who have sex with men."

The proper and consistent use of condoms can greatly reduce the risk of HIV infection. Check out "How to use a condom" at staying-alive.org.

World AIDS Day is December 1, 2004. 

Posted: Sunday - November 28, 2004 at 01:05 AM          

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