Around the world, around 4,900 young women between the ages of 15 and 24 become infected with HIV every week.
Every year, on December 1, the world commemorates World AIDS Day.
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a chronic and potentially fatal disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
HIV attacks the immune system, weakening it to the point where it cannot fight infections.
According to UNAIDS, in 2021, about 1.5 million people became newly infected with HIV, bringing the total number of people living with HIV to 38.4 million.
(Al Jazeera)
Global AIDS-related deaths
HIV/AIDS has killed up to 40.1 million people and infected 84.2 million over the past 40 years.
In 2021, about 650,000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses, down 68% from its peak of two million deaths in 2004.
Since 2010, new HIV infections have decreased by 32%, from 2.2 million to 1.5 million in 2021.
Among children, new HIV infections have decreased by 52%, from 320,000 in 2010 to 160,000 in 2021.
About 5.9 million people worldwide were unaware of their HIV status in 2021.
Although there is still no cure for the epidemic, there are many effective HIV prevention, treatment and care options that can improve quality of life.
(Al Jazeera)
HIV infections by age and gender
According to the UNAIDS report, Dangerous Inequalities: World AIDS Day 2022 report, every two minutes an adolescent girl or young woman aged 15-24 acquired HIV in 2021.
AIDS-related causes remain the third leading cause of death globally for women aged 15 to 49 and the fourth leading cause of death among younger women (aged 15 to 29).
In sub-Saharan Africa, six out of seven new HIV infections among adolescents aged 15 to 19 are among girls. Girls and young women aged 15 to 24 are twice as likely to be living with HIV as young men.
(Al Jazeera)
Prevention and treatment options
UNAIDS has recommended a number of tools and treatments to deal with HIV.
Sexual Education
Sex education is vital for young people to understand how to protect themselves from sexually transmitted diseases (such as HIV) and avoid unplanned pregnancies.
Access to antiretroviral therapy
In 2021, at least 28.7 million people received access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), a treatment that reduces the amount of HIV in the blood.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PREP)
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) involves taking antiretroviral medication before possible exposure to HIV. UNAIDS says this has been effective in all populations.
Policies for male circumcision
In countries with high rates of HIV transmission, voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) can help reduce transmission.
(Al Jazeera)