#WorldAidsDay: Shocking HIV/Aids stats

Did you know that South Africa has the largest HIV epidemic in the world with almost 20 per cent of the global number of people living with HIV living in the country?

These are just one of the shocking facts associated with South Africa and the HIV/Aids virus.

As of last year, the latest statistics provided by Stats SA, there were 7 100 000 people in the country living with HIV/Aids and up to 110 000 new HIV infections. The numbers are declining but there is still a great amount of work that needs to be done to reduce them even further.

The 1st of December is a day dedicated to raising awareness around one of the world’s biggest killers of men, women and children.

Here are a few more stats and facts on HIV/Aids in South Africa:

• 57,7 per cent of sex workers have HIV/Aids, this is the highest HIV prevalence by population.
• Since 2010, new HIV infections have decreased by 49 per cent, while Aids-related deaths have decreased by 29 per cent.
• Of the 7 100 000 adults and children living with HIV, 320 000 are children from birth to 14, and 4 100 000 are girls and women aged 15 and over.
• There are 3 900 000 people living with HIV who are on antiretroviral therapy, which is 56 per cent of people living with the virus.

All stats sourced from UNAids South Africa 

Details: www.unaids.org