• Most children with HIV acquire it as infants: in the womb; during birth or through breastfeeding.
• Without treatment, approximately half of children infected this way will die by age two.  Source: 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic, UNAIDS
• In 2007, 290,000 children under the age of 15 died from AIDS-related illnesses.  Source: 2007 AIDS Epidemic Update, UNAIDS *
• Children are far less likely than adults to receive HIV treatment.   In sub-Saharan Africa, children are one-third as likely to be treated for HIV.  2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic, UNAIDS
• In sub-Saharan Africa alone, the AIDS epidemic has orphaned nearly 12 million children.  Source: 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic, UNAIDS
• Children orphaned due to AIDS are vulnerable to poverty, abuse, stigma and loneliness.  Some also contend with the anger and resentment of relatives who feel forced to take them in.
• Young people in childbearing years (15-24) account for 45 per cent of all new HIV infections in adults.  Many lack accurate, complete information on how to avoid exposure to the virus.  Source: 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic, UNAIDS
•  In Somalia, only 4 per cent of young women (15-24) report accurate knowledge of HIV, and only 11 percent of adult females are aware that condoms can prevent HIV transmission.  Source: 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic, UNAIDS

*UNAIDS published a “correction” statement following the publication of this report, adjusting these figures from what originally appeared.