Asia / Pacific

Progress In HIV Prevention Seen In Worst Affected Areas

Mon, 07/12/2009 - 11:30am — admin

New data on the global HIV epidemic indicates that new infections have declined in some of the world’s worst affected countries. The number of new infections in 2008 in sub-Saharan Africa was approximately 15% lower than in 2001 – about 400 000 fewer infections. Similar declines have also been seen in East, Southeast and South Asia. The 2009 AIDS Epidemic Update, released by UNAIDS and the World Health Organisation, indicates that HIV prevention is working in many areas.

Nonetheless, 2.7 million people were newly infected with HIV last year and more people are living with HIV than ever before – more than 33 million people worldwide. AIDS killed more than 2 million people in 2008.

Other details of the report include:

Globally, AIDS related deaths have declined by 10% during the last five years due to increased access to HIV treatment
In Asia, HIV is expanding among men who have sex with men (MSM). High levels of HIV have been found among MSM in numerous locations in Southeast Asia, China and India.
In North America and Western Europe, the HIV epidemic has re-emerged among MSM with substantial increases occurring in the US, Canada, the UK and European countries over the last five years.
In Papua New Guinea, an expanding, generalised epidemic is well established. Reported HIV infections are also increasing in Fiji.
In Australia and New Zealand, there has been a slow steady increase in HIV among MSM over the last ten years. Nonetheless, Australia’s epidemic is considerably less severe than that of any other high income country.
Some of the world’s first evidence-informed harm reduction programs have resulted in a relatively low level of HIV transmission related to injecting drug use in Australia.