http://www.thriveafrica.org/about/aids-pan... The HIV/AIDS crisis has mushroomed in recent years, becoming a pandemic of astronomical proportions. In a speech given in July, 2000, former South African President Nelson Mandela said:
“Let us not equivocate: a tragedy of unprecedented proportions is unfolding in Africa. AIDS today in Africa is claiming more lives than the sum total of all wars, famines and floods, and the ravages of such deadly diseases as malaria. It is devastating families and communities, overwhelming and depleting health care services; and robbing schools of both students and teachers… Earlier this week we were shocked to learn that, within South Africa, one in two – that is half – of our young people will die of AIDS.”
According to the United Nations, the epidemic in South Africa shows no sign of relenting.
* One in four people in South Africa are infected with HIV.
* 1,500 South Africans are infected with HIV each day.
* More people are infected with HIV/AIDS in South Africa than in any other country of the world.
* Every minute a South African dies of AIDS. 520,000 South Africans die of AIDS each year; this equals 1,425 each day, or one each minute.
* HIV/AIDS is now the leading cause of death in sub-Saharan Africa.
* Sub-Saharan Africa is the hardest-hit by AIDS; it has just over 10% of the world’s population, but is home to more than 60% of all people living with HIV.
* An estimated 2.4 million people died of AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa in the year 2005, while another 3.2 million became newly infected with HIV.
* At least 85% of South Africans who need antiretroviral drugs are not receiving them.
* The number of orphans in South Africa is expected to be 3.1 million by 2010 and 5.7 million by 2014.
* Everyday, 250 HIV+ babies are born in South Africa.
* HIV/AIDS is currently the leading cause of death for children under the age of 5 in South Africa, accounting for 40% of the deaths of these children.
Posted By: chivonne lawson
Friday, August 15th 2008 at 12:29PM
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