HIV infection drop down

Thursday 24th, November 2011 / 22:30 Written by

 The global number of new HIV infections has dropped with 21% between 1997 and 2010. In 2010, 2.7million people got infected with HIV, among them 390.000 children: 15% less then in 2001 and a fall of 21% since 1997.
The amount of Aids related deaths decreased from the peak of 2.2million in 2002 to 1.8million deaths in 2010. In the new report of UNAIDS, which will be presented the 1st of December on World Aids day 2011, is claimed that more people then ever can life with HIV.
The infection decline is seen in 33 countries, including 22 sub-saharan countries, the region which is most affected by HIV/AIDS. In sub-saharan Africa the number of new infections, reported in 2010, fell down to 1.9million people: a drop of 26% from the 2.6million in 1997.
The decline is mostly due to a greater accessibility of treatment. Antiretroviral coverage rose with 20% between 2009 and 2010. Executive director, Michel Sidibe:

We have seen a massive scale up in access to HIV treatment, which has had a dramatic effect on the lives of people everywhere.”

Another reason mentioned to be responsible for the decline, are the success stories of treated HIV patients. Thanks to Global interest; political leadership; new resources and social change, HIV got a new face. Furthermore a behavioural change is seen among young people, sex workers and other risk groups where a decrease of sexual partners, increase of condom use and a delay of age are reported.
UNAIDS believes access to preventive services has empowered the individual and communities to protect themselves.  The HIV incidence in urban Zimbabwe even fell from a peak of 6% in 1991 to less than 1% in 2010. Namibia has reached a 90% treatment access and an increase of condom use by 75%, resulting in a drop down of 60% of new infections in 2010. According to UNAIDS the HIV incidences will continuously fall; the full preventive impact will be shown in the next five years.
Tido von Schoen-Angerer from MSF‘s:

“Never, in more than a decade of treating people living with HIV/Aids, have we been at such a promising moment to really turn this epidemic around.”

 

The International HIV/Aids Alliance said:

“For bigger and better impact though, we must not be complacent. There is still much more to do.”

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