Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Current Situation in Southern Africa
Unacceptable HIv prevalence rates exists in the vast majority of southern african
states. In 2007, the region accounted for approximately 35 percent of all people
living with the disease as well as roughly 32 percent of all new HIv infections
and aIDS-related deaths (UnaIDS and wHo 2007). countries such as lesotho,
Swaziland, botswana, and namibia have HIv prevalence rates exceeding 30 percent
among pregnant mothers. Meanwhile, there is little indication that the prevalence of
HIv is on the decline in these states.
Swaziland
In Swaziland, the epidemic has reached unprecedented proportions. According
to the Central Statistical Office in Swaziland, approximately 26 percent of adults
were infected in 2007. Data issued by the Ministry of Health indicate that the HIv
prevalence rate among pregnant mothers has increased from 34 percent in 2000 to a
record high of 43 percent in 2004 (UNAIDS 2005b). Those health ministry officials
have indicated that there is little regional variation in the prevalence of HIv measured
among women. In total, approximately 31 percent of all women were infected with
the virus in 2007 (Swaziland Central Statistical Office 2008, xxvii).
Table 8-1: Regional Comparison of HIv/AIDS, 2001 and 2007
adults and
children living
with HIv
adults and
children newly
infected with HIv
adult
prevalence
(%)
adult and
child deaths
due to aIDS
2007
22.5 million
1.7 million
5.0%
1.6 million
Sub-Saharan
africa
2001
20.9 million
2.2 million
5.8%
1.4 million
2007
380 000
35 000
0.3%
25 000
Middle east/north
africa
2001
300 000
41 000
0.3%
22 000
2007
4.0 million
340 000
0.3%
270 000
South and
Southeast asia
2001
3.5 million
450 000
0.3%
170 000
2007
800 000
92 000
0.1%
32 000
east asia
2001
420 000
77 000
0.1%
12 000
2007
1.6 million
100 000
0.5%
58 000
latin america
2001
1.3 million
130 000
0.4%
51 000
2007
1.6 million
150 000
0.9%
55 000
eastern europe
and central asia
2001
630 000
230 000
0.4%
8000
2007
760 000
31 000
0.3%
12 000
western and
central europe
2001
620 000
32 000
0.2%
10 000
2007
1.3 million
46 000
0.6%
21 000
north america
2001
1.1 million
44 000
0.6%
21 000
Source: UNAIDS and World Health Organization (2007).
