Global burden of the HIV pandemic

Abstract

Within the global pandemic of HIV infection there are many different epidemics, each with its own dynamics and each influenced by many factors including time of introduction of the virus, population density, and cultural and social issues. Effective management strategies depend on knowledge of all these factors. By the year 2000, WHO projections are that 26 million persons will be infected with HIV, more than 90% of whom will be in developing countries. To control AIDS, countries must not only promote changes in individual behaviour but also address social issues such as unemployment, rapid urbanisation, migration, and the status of women.

PIP: The world is currently experiencing a global pandemic of HIV infection. There are, however, many different epidemics within the global pandemic of HIV, each with its own dynamics and each influenced by many factors, including the time of introduction of the virus, population density, and cultural and social issues. Effective management strategies depend upon knowledge of all these factors. By the year 2000, the World Health Organization projects that 26 million people will be infected with HIV, more than 90% of whom will be in developing countries. The author stresses that to control AIDS, countries must not only promote changes in individual behavior, but also address social issues such as unemployment, rapid urbanization, migration, and women's status. This paper describes the epidemiological features of the HIV pandemic, including its evolution, economic and demographic impacts, unique characteristics in different regions of the world, and projections for the next four years.