World AIDS Day 2012: Getting to Zero
27 November 2012 -- Getting to Zero: Zero new HIV infections. Zero deaths from AIDS-related illness. Zero discrimination is the theme of World AIDS Day 2012. Given the spread of the epidemic today, getting to zero may sound difficult but significant progress is underway.
In 2011, 2.5 million people were newly infected with HIV. An estimated 1.7 million people died. That is 700 000 fewer new infections worldwide than ten years ago, and 600 000 fewer deaths than in 2005.
34 million34 million people living with HIV.Online Q&A about HIV/AIDS
54%54% of eligible people have access to antiretroviral therapy, which also has prevention benefits.Fact sheet on HIV/AIDS
7 millionAround 7 million eligible people are waiting for antiretroviral therapy.10 facts on HIV
World AIDS Day highlights
Note for the media
"Getting to Zero: Zero new HIV infections. Zero deaths from AIDS-related illness. Zero discrimination" is the theme of World AIDS Day 2012. Given the spread of the epidemic today, getting to zero may sound difficult but significant progress is underway.
WHO estimates that globally as many as half of all HIV-positive people in long-term relationships have HIV-negative partners – forming what are known as serodiscordant couples. It is estimated that half of people living with HIV still do not know that they are infected, and many people do not know their partner’s status.
HIV testing and counselling is a critical and essential gateway to HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support services. WHO and UNAIDS do not support mandatory or compulsory testing of individuals on public health grounds.
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