Global
 The global AIDS crisis is far from over – in fact the number of AIDS deaths are expected to increase every year for some time to come. 2004 saw 4.9 million new cases and 3.1 million deaths according to data published by the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the World Health Organization (WHO). More than 95% of the world’s AIDS cases are in developing countries.
World estimates of the HIV & AIDS epidemics at the end of 2004 (* millions)
| Number of people living with HIV/AIDS in 2004 |
|
Estimate* |
Range* |
| Total |
39.4 |
35.9-44.3 |
| Adults |
37.2 |
33.8-41.7 |
| Women |
17.6 |
16.3-19.5 |
| Children <15 |
2.2 |
2.0-2.6 |
| People newly infected with HIV in 2004 |
|
Estimate* |
Range* |
| Total |
4.9 |
4.3-6.4 |
| Adults |
4.3 |
3.7-5.7 |
| Children <15 |
0.64 |
0.57-0.75 |
| AIDS deaths in 2004 |
|
Estimate* |
Range* |
| Total |
3.1 |
2.8-3.5 |
| Adults |
2.6 |
2.3-2.9 |
| Children <15 |
0.51 |
0.46-0.60 |
 AIDS in Asia
Asia is the fastest-growing HIV region in the world. India with its
population of over 1 billion, is the country with the second highest number
of people living with HIV/AIDS (South Africa being the highest). The number of cases in Asia could surpass Africaif the virus follows a similar trajectory. Like Africa, India’s pre-existing poverty is only exacerbated by the spread of the virus. Despite healthy economic growth in recent years, India’s gross national income per capita remains below $500.
The UN has predicted similar trends, estimating that China will have 10m cases by 2010 and India 20-25m
 AIDS Orphan Crisis
Already, the UN reports more than 13 million children have been orphaned by AIDS worldwide. More than 25 million AIDS orphans are projected by the year 2010. It is difficult to grasp the magnitude of this crisis – arguably the most significant humanitarian crisis of our generation. By 2010, the world’s AIDS orphan population will exceed the population of all of New York City by a multiple of three.
Clearly the impact of this AIDS orphan crisis is felt by the children themselves. They have the grief of losing a parent and the ongoing pain of having to fend for themselves in a frightening world. There are clearly broader implications for society as well. Imagine a society where 30% of the population – teachers, farmers, laborers, parents – are ill or have died. This is already the case in African countries such as Botswana. |
