A 2021 Perspective: A Dive into Demographics

 

Hi all, 

A lot of the research you have been doing in preparation for conference would have led you to look into the history of the epidemic and past legislative actions countries have taken. One important thing to consider when coming up with solutions is to look at the current state of the situation and do a deep-dive into any trends you can see to be able to cater your solutions to be relevant and specific. 

Here are some important demographic aspects to take into consideration during the ideation stages, and see if you can find specific aspects you might be able to combat as well (ie. disproportionately impacted areas- think why?)

Demographic Stats: 

• Every week, around 5500 young women aged 15–24 years become infected with HIV
• In sub-Saharan Africa, 5/6 infections among adolescents aged 15–19 years are among girls. 
• Young women aged 15–24 years are twice as likely to be living with HIV than men.
• More than one third (35%) of women around the world have experienced physical and/or sexual violence at some time in their lives.
• Women who have experienced physical or sexual intimate partner violence are 1.5 times more likely to acquire HIV than women who have not experienced such violence.
• Women and girls accounted for about 48% of all new HIV infections in 2019. In sub-Saharan Africa, women and girls accounted for 59% of all new HIV infections.

Key populations

• Key populations and their sexual partners account for:
  • 62% of new HIV infections globally.
  • 99% of new HIV infections in eastern Europe and central Asia.
  • 97% of new HIV infections in the Middle East and North Africa.
  • 96% of new HIV infections in western and central Europe and North America.
  • 98% of new HIV infections in Asia and the Pacific.
  • 77% of new HIV infections in Latin America.
  • 69% of new HIV infections in western and central Africa.
  • 60% of new HIV infections in the Caribbean.
  • 28% of new HIV infections in eastern and southern Africa.
• The risk of acquiring HIV is:
• 26 times higher among gay men and other men who have sex with men.
• 29 times higher among people who inject drugs.
• 30 times higher for sex workers.
• 13 times higher for transgender people.

Source of information:  https://www.unaids.org/en/resources/fact-sheet#:~:text=26%20million%20%5B25.1%20million%E2%80%9326.2,living%20with%20HIV%20in%202019.