AIDS Epidemic Update (December 2006)
Introduction
The global AIDS epidemic continues to grow and there is
concerning evidence that some countries are seeing a resurgence in new HIV infection rates
which were previously stable or declining. However, declines in infection rates are also being
observed in some countries, as well as positive trends in young people's sexual behaviours.
According to the latest figures published today in the UNAIDS/WHO 2006 AIDS Epidemic
Update, an estimated 39.5 million people are living with HIV. There were 4.3 million new
infections in 2006 with 2.8 million (65%) of these occurring in sub-Saharan Africa and
important increases in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, where there are some indications
that infection rates have risen by more than 50% since 2004. In 2006, 2.9 million people died
of AIDS-related illnesses.
New data suggest that where HIV prevention programmes have not been sustained and/or adapted
as epidemics have changed—infection rates in some countries are staying the
same or going back up.
In North America and Western Europe, HIV prevention programmes have often not been sustained
and the number of new infections has remained the same. Similarly in low- and middle-income
countries, there are only a few examples of countries that have actually reduced new
infections. And some countries that had showed earlier successes in reducing new infections,
such as Uganda, have either slowed or are now experiencing increasing infection rates.
“This is worrying—as we know increased HIV prevention programmes in these countries
have shown progress in the past—Uganda being a prime example. This means that
countries are not moving at the same speed as their epidemics,” said UNAIDS Executive
Director Dr Peter Piot. “We need to greatly intensify life-saving prevention efforts while we
expand HIV treatment programmes.”
Access the report
The annual AIDS Epidemic Update reports on the latest developments in the global AIDS epidemic. With maps and regional estimates, the 2006 edition provides the most recent estimates on the epidemic’s scope and human toll and explores new trends in the epidemic’s evolution.- AIDS Epidemic Update: December 2006 [complete report, pdf: 1.9 Mb]
- AIDS Epidemic Update: December 2006 [by chapter]
- Press release [pdf, 46KB]
- Press kit (including fact sheets and backgrounder on methodology)
- Photographs
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