HIV facts
HIV stands for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a virus which attacks the body's immune system — the body's defence against diseases.
HIV can be passed on through infected bodily fluids, most commonly via sex without a condom or by sharing infected needles, syringes or other injecting drug equipment.
International statistics
- The number of new HIV infections has declined globally by 21% since the estimated peak of the epidemic in 1997
- 2.3 million people were newly infected with HIV worldwide in 2012
- In some parts of the world (particularly within Sub-Saharan Africa) between 15-28% of the population are living with HIV
People living with HIV globally
- 35.3 million people living with HIV worldwide
- 47% of people living with HIV worldwide are women
- 1.6 million AIDS-related deaths
New HIV cases around the globe in 2012
- 2.3 million people diagnosed with HIV
- 6,300 new HIV infections a day
- 260 000 new HIV infections among children
- 95% are in low- and middle-income countries
People who are on effective HIV treatment, with an undetectable viral load for least six months can not pass the virus on. NAT is lobbying the NHS to allow people to start treatment early if they want to, in order to prevent transmission.
It is a common myth that gay men can't donate blood. Actually NAT were instrumental in securing and participating in the review which led to an overturn of the lifetime ban on gay men donating blood.
