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HIV StatisticsThe following HIV statistics come from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).United States: The CDC estimates that in 1999 between 800,000 and 900,000 people were living with HIV or AIDS. Through December 2001, a total of 816,149 cases of AIDS had been reported to the CDC. Worldwide: Based on estimates from the United Nations AIDS program (UNAIDS), approximately 65 million people have been infected with HIV since the start of the global epidemic. At the end of 2002, an estimated 42 million people were living with HIV infection or AIDS. UNAIDS estimates 5.0 million new HIV infections occurred in 2002. This represents about 14,000 new cases per day. An estimated 3.1 million adults and children died of HIV/AIDS in 2002. *These figures come from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Frequently Asked Questions page (updated March 31, 2003): www.cdc.gov The CDC also estimates that as many as one in three people infected with HIV don't know that they are HIV-positive. The majority of those infected with HIV are men, particularly those in the United States. Around the world, 95% of people with HIV are from developing nations. HIV infections are not limited to any particular sexual orientation, race, or income level-anyone can acquire HIV. Causes of HIVUnprotected oral, vaginal, or anal sex can transmit HIV from one partner to another. Sharing needles or other blood exchanges can also transmit HIV. You can reduce the risk of contracting HIV by using condoms during sex, as well as by using sanitized needles one time only. | |||
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