Almost 30 years after the first case of HIV was reported, this deadly virus has spread around the globe to become the biggest pandemic ever: almost 40 million adults worldwide are now infected by HIV. More than 25 million have died since 1981, and there have been many more affected - the orphans, people living with the condition, and other family members. However, in 2009, 1.8 million people died from AIDS-related illnesses - nearly one-fifth lower than the 2.1 million people who died in 2004.
The virus is transmitted mainly through unsafe sex and unclean blood transfusions. Protection through use of contraceptives has been inadequate, particularly in Africa. Women are particularly vulnerable. Treatment through antiretrovirals has brought life and hope to many, but millions continue to be denied treatment.
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Training
Manual for the Media: Gender, HIV/AIDS and Rights
IPS - Inter Press Service has published
a training manual for the media on how to report on HIV/AIDS
from a gender and rights perspective which is now available
online here
(pdf, 503KB). |