Mozambique Musings

The Facts
In 2007, the estimated number of persons living with HIV worldwide was 33.2 million and there were 2.1 million AIDS deaths.

Number of people living with HIV in 2007
Total 33.2 million
Adults 30.8 million
Women 15.4 million
Children under 15 years 2.5 million

People newly infected with HIV in 2007
Total 2.5 million
Adults 2.1 million
Children under 15 years 420 000

AIDS deaths in 2007
Total 2.1 million
Adults 1.7 million
Children under 15 years 330 000

About WORLD AIDS DAY:

Twenty years ago, a summit of health ministers realised that a united global effort was required to halt the spread of HIV and AIDS. As a result, World AIDS Day emerged as the first international health day in December 1988.

The aim of World AIDS Day is to bring to people's attention the worldwide challenges and consequences of the epidemic-ultimately, preventing the spread of HIV and improving the lives of people living with the virus.

The theme ties in with this year's international theme for World AIDS Day: "Leadership", as it inspires us all to take the lead in breaking down the ignorance and fear around HIV through communication. For more information about the international theme for World AIDS Day visit the World AIDS Campaign website.

Every day, over 6800 persons become infected
with HIV and over 5700 persons die from AIDS,
mostly because of inadequate access to HIV
prevention and treatment services. The HIV
pandemic remains the most serious of infectious
disease challenges to public health.

MOZAMBIQUE is one of the fourteen priority countries targeted by the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief - a plan that will treat two million HIV positive people with anti-retro virals, prevent 7 million new infections, and care for 10 million HIV positive people and AIDS orphans worldwide. Mozambique presents both the greatest challenges and possibly the greatest opportunity for success in turning around the HIV/AIDS threat. With a prevalence rate of 13.6%, the epidemic’s advance is still at a level that offers a real chance to contain its spread and impact.

SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA remains the most affected region in the global AIDS epidemic. More than two thirds (68%)of all people HIV-positive live in this region where more than three quarters (76%) of all AIDS deaths in 2007 occurred. It is estimated that 1.7 million people were newly infected with HIV in 2007, bringing to 22.5 million the total number of people living with the virus. Unlike other regions, the majority of people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa (61%) are women.

There are many ways in which you can support World AIDS Day. For example:

*Raise awareness of HIV and AIDS in your area
*Wear a red ribbon and ask others to do the same
*Sign up as a supporter of the Stop AIDS in Children campaign
*Protect yourself and your partners
*If you are worried - get tested