"This is positive news and it shows that our preventative activities have given concrete and positive results,” says Marit Lindheim, special advisor for HIV and AIDS at Norwegian Church Aid.
The figures, published in UNAIDS’ Global Report 2010, show that an estimated 33.3 million people were living with HIV at the end of 2009. 2.6 million were newly infected and 1.8 million died from AIDS-related causes. These figures are slight decreases from those of 2008, with the figures for new infections and deaths nearly 20% lower than estimates in 1999.
The report also shows that the number of newborns infected with HIV has gone down sharply. This is credited as a result of more widespread treatment.
“Recent research shows that treatment can also help prevent infection. Those that are infected but who are receiving treatment are not as infectious as we used to believe,” says Marit Lindheim.
Still, only one third of those who need treatment, have access to medicines. Both the global financial crisis and dwindling interest among donor countries have had consequences for HIV and AIDS program financing. In this regard, the Norwegian government deserves credit for its continued support.
- It is becoming increasingly important that we work to secure adequate resources to provide medicines, and that we ensure that these medicines are cheaper. We see that treatment gives a better quality of, and longer, life, and that it also reduces the risk of infection,” says Marit Lindheim at Norwegian Church Aid.
Norwegian Church Aid continues to help and support those who are infected or affected by the epidemic in its work around the world.
Contact:
- Marit Lindheim, special advisor, HIV and AIDS, tel.: +47 93 24 64 34