Global impact of human immunodeficiency virus and AIDS

This review provides information on the epidemiology, economic impact, and intervention strategies for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS pan demic in developing countries. According to the World Health Organization a nd the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) at the end of 19 99 an estimated 34.3 million people were living with HIV/AIDS. Most of the people living with HIV, 95% of the global total, live in developing countri es. Examples of the impact of HIV/AIDS in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean and the Newly Independent States provide insight into the demogra phics, modes of exposure, treatment and prevention options, and the economi c effect of tire epidemic on the global community. The epidemic in each reg ion of the world is influenced by the specific risk factors that ms associa ted with the spread of HIV/AIDS and the responses that have evolved to addr ess it. These influences are important in developing HIV/AIDS policies and programs to effectively address the global pandemic.