An estimated 0.8% [0.6-0.

9%] of adults aged 15–49 years worldwide are living with HIV,

although the burden of the epidemic continues to vary considerably between countries and

regions. The WHO African region remains most severely affected, with nearly 1 in every 25

adults (4.1%) living with HIV and accounting for nearly two-thirds of the people living with HIV

worldwide[a].

b. As of June 2017, 20.9 million pple living with HIV were accessing antiretroviral therapy

(ART) globally, up from 15.8 million in June 2015, 7.5 million in 2010, and less than one

million in 2000

The HIV epidemic not only affects the health of individuals, it impacts households, communities,

and the development and economic growth of nations. Many of the countries hardest hit by HIV

also suffer from other infectious diseases, food insecurity, and other serious problems.

c. 1.8 million (1.4 – 2.4 million) pple became newly infected with HIV in 2017. 940 000 (670

000 – 1.3 million) people died from GIV AIDS related illnesses in 2017.

77.3 million (59.9 million-100 million) pple have become infected with HIV since the start of the

epidemic.

35.4 million (25million – 49.9million) pple have died from aids related illnesses since the start of

the epidemic.

e. Mw has one of the highest HIV prevalences in the world despite the impressive progress the

country has made in controlling its HIV epidemic in recent years.

Young people are particularly at risk due to early sexual activity and marriage, with 50 % of new

HIV infections affecting those aged 15 to 17 in Mw.