Media - 2007 press releases

UNAIDS 2007 Report AIDS Epidemic Update

In response to today's UNAIDS 2007 Report AIDS Epidemic Update, Deborah Jack, Chief Executive of the National AIDS Trust (NAT), said:

"The HIV pandemic remains one of the great health crises facing our planet. As national and international bodies implement their commitments to improve data collection and surveillance, it is inevitable that there will occasionally be recalculations of the numbers affected. But with 33 million now estimated to be living with HIV worldwide, the number remains as unimaginable and catastrophic as ever.

Infections continue at a devastating rate with 2.5 million people newly infected in 2007, this is equivalent to 6,800 people every day. The latest UNAIDS figures underline the need for the international community to invest in effective treatment and prevention. This must include supporting research into and development of microbicides and vaccines which offer the prospect of a long term and effective response to the epidemic."

The full UNAIDS report is available here.

Notes to the Editor:

The National AIDS Trust (NAT) is the UK's leading independent policy and campaigning voice on HIV and AIDS. It aims to prevent the spread of HIV, ensure people living with HIV have access to treatment and care, and eradicate HIV-related stigma and discrimination.