World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNAids figures show a drop in both new HIV infections and AIDS related deaths. New infections have been reduced by 17% since 2001. This is thought to be due to the impact of HIV prevention programmes - particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Infection rates have also fallen substantially in south-east Asia and eastern Europe. Anti-retroviral therapy is also reducing infection in children as more mothers are treated during pregnancy.

However, the number of people infected worldwide is still rising - estimated at 33.4 million people living in 2008. Part of this increase is because fewer are dying with HIV. Data suggests that the pattern of infection is changing worldwide, with increased transmission between heterosexual couples, who are still perceived (wrongly) by many to be at very limited risk. UNAids has recently set up a social networking site at AIDSspace.org to bring together those suffering from and treating the disease.

(bbc.co.uk 2009; 24 November, UNaids.org 2009; 25 November)