Latest update December 19th, 2024 3:22 AM
HIV/AIDS infections at lowest since 1997
-UNAIDS
HIV infection and AIDS-related deaths have fallen to the lowest levels since the peak of the epidemic. New HIV infections were reduced by 21 percent since 1997, and deaths from AIDS-related illnesses decreased by 21 percent since 2005, according to a new report by UNAIDS, the United Nations Joint Programme on HIV/AIDS.
The report shows that 2011 was a game changing year for the AIDS response with unprecedented progress in science, political leadership and results. 
According to the report a number of new HIV infections in 2010 was down by 21 percent from the staggering 1997 apex of the disease.
The report states that 2.7 million new HIV infections were reported in 2010. This statistic included an estimated 390,000 children, which is significantly lower than previous reports.
“This was 15 percent less than in 2001, and 21 percent below the number of new infections at peak of the epidemic in 1997,” the report states.
The number of people contracting HIV has continued to fall — in some countries more rapidly than others — according to the report.
The report also brought to light ‘a new generation of young people’ that are taking charge of their destinies and protecting themselves against HIV.
The report indicated there are positive trends with younger people in countries with the greatest HIV burdens.
“HIV prevalence declined among young people (aged 15–24 years) in at least 21 of 24 countries with national HIV prevalence of 1 percent or higher,” according to the report.
The report also suggested that with improved treatment regimens and strengthened commitment to a comprehensive response, it is feasible by 2015 to eliminate new HIV infections among children and to keep their mothers alive.
Also noted in the report, more people are surviving rather than dying once contracting the virus. The report attributes this to the fact that people now have better access to treatment. The number of individuals living with AIDS is estimated at 34 million, up 17 percent from 2001.
This number of AIDS patients still alive and functioning includes new HIV infections. However, the overall trend is indicative of the impact that increased access to antiretroviral therapy has on reducing AIDS-related deaths.
Declines in new HIV infections are also being spurred by changes in sexual behaviour, particularly in young people, as people reduce their numbers of sexual partners, increase condom use and are waiting longer before becoming sexually active. HIV prevalence declined among young people in at least 21 of 24 countries with national HIV prevalence of one percent or higher.
Around 400 000 new HIV infections in children are estimated to have been averted since 1995 due to increased access to effective antiretroviral regimens in low- and middle income countries by 2010, almost half (48%) of all pregnant women living with HIV were able to access effective regimens to prevent their child from becoming infected with the virus.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
The stakes are high in Guyana’s democracy
Peeping Tom… Kaieteur News- In any vibrant democracy, the mechanisms that bind it together are those that mediate differences,... more
Let the asylum seekers go: a first step for Venezuela to rebuild relations in the Americas
By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News – The government of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela has steadfast support from many... more
Weekend Cartoon
