UN sees downward trend in AIDS infections, deaths
By DPA, IANSTuesday, November 23, 2010
GENEVA - The UN Tuesday noted a decline in new HIV/AIDS infections and fewer deaths, but warned that the economic crisis could dampen hopes for further positive developments.
New infections worldwide declined by 19 percent between 2004 and 2009, UNAIDS, the UN programme to combat the disease said in its annual global report.
In 2009, 1.8 million people died of AIDS-related illnesses, down from the 2.1 million in 2004.
Sub-Saharan Africa remained the hardest hit region, with 69 percent of all new HIV infections. Much of Africa was, however, showing positive signs of a decline.
Parts of Eastern Europe and Central Asia were, meanwhile, experiencing worrying upward trends in infection rates, according to the report.
Some 33.3 million people are estimated to be living with AIDS, many of them in the developing world where access to medicines is limited and many patients go without the necessary treatment.
Funding shortfalls were still widespread, hampering access to care, the report said.
AIDS infections worldwide peaked in 1999.
