Information

Worldwide:
Approximately 4 million people worldwide are infected with HIV each year.  Half of those infected are women.  In some African nations, up to 40% of the population is HIV positive.  HIV infection is growing in India, China, Eastern Europe, South America and the Caribbean Basin.  It is now estimated that 1% of the Russian population is HIV positive.

In Arizona:

• Approximately 70% of all people living with HIV/AIDS in Arizona reside in the eligible Phoenix metropolitan area. 
• Men represent approximately 88% of HIV/AIDS cases, while women represent 12%. 
• Hispanics constitute approximately 28% of the population and 20% of the HIV/AIDS cases. 
• African Americans, while constituting less than 4% of the population, represent 12% of the HIV/AIDS cases. 
• Native Americans represent 5% of those infected in Arizona. 
• MSM of all races represent 70% of HIV/AIDS cases
• IDU’s (Intravenous Drug Users) represent 15% of HIV/AIDS cases

It is estimated that a teen becomes infected every 14 minutes.  The rate of seniors becoming infected is on the rise.  An average of 40,000 individuals a year are becoming infected in the United States.  The number has risen slightly higher in 2005. 

Being informed is one of the strongest weapons against HIV.  With the advent of the computer, information is endless and readily available.  AIDS Service Organizations across the country offer not only services to those living with HIV/AIDS, but also can be used as a resource for the public and those affected by the virus.

HIV/AIDS remains one of the most critical and challenging health issues today.