Global AIDS epidemic "in early phase"

The AIDS epidemic is still in an early phase, and the number of cases of HIV in the worst-affected countries is climbing higher than previously believed possible, according to a major UNAIDS report. About 68 million people are expected to die because of AIDS in the 45 most affected countries between 2000 and 2020. This is more than five times the 13 million deaths due to AIDS in the past 20 years in these countries. Theories that the epidemic might level …

…One million infections means 3000 per day, or 120 per hour. These are shocking figures." In China, reported HIV infections rose nearly 70 per cent in just the first six months of 2001. Almost all cases of HIV/AIDS were previously transmitted through injecting drug use and unsafe blood practices. But the epidemic is now surging through heterosexual contact. The HIV/AIDS 2002 report has been released in advance of the XIV International AIDS Conference in Barcelona. New Scientist will