By Ashley Eure
There is good news in the global fight against HIV and AIDS.
The
2014
UNAIDS Gap Report
reports the lowest levels of new HIV infections at 2.1
million new infections (as estimated in 2013). New HIV infections among children
in particular have fallen by 58% since 2001 and dropped below 200,000 for the
first time in the 21 most affected countries in Africa.
AIDS-related deaths are also at their lowest, having declined
by 35%. This progress is not universal, however, as AIDS-related deaths are on
the rising in certain regions – up by 7% the Middle East and North Africa and by
5% in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
Despite
these positive strides, many challenges remain. One is the disproportionate burden
of the disease in heavily impacted countries. Just 15 countries accounted for over
75% of new infections.
In
sub-Saharan Africa for example, Nigeria, South Africa, and Uganda account for
48% of all new HIV infections. Other countries, such as Central African
Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Indonesia, Nigeria, Russian
Federation and South Sudan, are being left behind in the fight against the
pandemic, facing the threat of high HIV burden combined with low treatment
coverage and minimal, if any, decline in new HIV infections.
The local
church has an important role to play in this fight. Check out our website for
information on
how
your church can start a ministry
and learn what every
believer can do
to offer care, compassion and real solutions for those
living with HIV and AIDS.
Visit the
2014
UNAIDS Gap Report
to read the full report learn more about the statistics
cited in this article.
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