AIDS in Africa

Summary:

HIV/AIDS is a global problem. In every country of the world individuals are living and dying from HIV and AIDS. However, Africa and in particular Sub-Saharan Africa has been hit the hardest by HIV/AIDS. As the HIV/AIDS epidemic continues to ravage Africa the impact of the epidemic can be seen everywhere you turn.

It appears that many people see the AIDS epidemic to be a problem that is too big to help with or that it is someone else's problem. Working through the epidemic and helping Africa to survive is a worldwide task. It is going to take the help of everyone to make a difference. You do not have to be a doctor or have an endless supply of cash. Everyone can find a way to help if they just open their hearts and minds.  To learn more about how you can help please check out our how to help page. Below you will find statistics and information on the AIDS epidemic in the whole world and in two African nations in particular, South Africa and Kenya.

HIV & AIDS Statistics:

World Wide:*

HIV infection rates have decreased in some countries as of November 21, 2005. However, the number of individuals worldwide who are living with AIDS continues to rise.  Kenya and Zimbabwe are the two African nations that have seen a decrease in HIV prevalence.

• 40.3 Million people are living with HIV

• Over 3 million people died of AIDS-related illnesses in 2005

• More then 500,000 children died in 2005 from AIDS-related illnesses

Sub-Saharan Africa:*

Sub-Saharan Africa continues to have the highest incidence of HIV and AIDS. Although Sub-Saharan Africa is home to just over 10% of the world's population more then 60% of all people living with HIV call this area home.

• 64% of new HIV infections occur in Sub-Saharan Africa (3.2 million people)

• 25.8 million people are living with HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa

• 2.4 million people died of AIDS in 2005 in Sub-Saharan Africa

• 7.2% of the adult population in Sub-Saharan Africa have HIV/AIDS

South Africa:** (statistics as of the end of 2003)

South Africa has the largest number of people living with HIV/AIDS in the world.

• 5.1 million people are living with HIV in South Africa

• 21.5% of Adults in South Africa are living with HIV

• 370,000 people died of AIDS in South Africa

• 1.1 million AIDS orphans in South Africa

Kenya:** (statistics as of the end of 2003)

• 1.1 million people are living with HIV in Kenya

• 6.7% of Adults in Kenya are living with HIV

• 150,000 people died of AIDS in Kenya

• 650,000 AIDS orphans in Kenya

*Statistics from November 2005 publication by UNAIDS/WHO unless otherwise noted. For more information please visit www.unaids.org/epi/2005 .

**Statistics from UNAIDS 'Report on the Global HIV/AIDS Epidemic, July 2004'

For more information visit www.unaids.org/epi/2005 or www.avert.org