Fighting the AIDS epidemic will require access to information and sharing of resources. Consider these facts as fuel.

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3.1 million Aids-caused deaths in 2004

39,400,000 people were living with HIV in 2004.

14,000 people become newly infected each day

$20bn is needed by 2007 to tackle the disease ccording to UNAids.

In some countries, such as Uganda, infection rates have fallen, giving grounds for hope.

$4.7bn has been given so far.

95% of people with HIV live in the developing world.

12,000,000 children have been orphaned by Aids in sub-Saharan Africa.

18,000,000 The number of Aids orphans expected in five years’ time.

The disease is rising fastest among women and girls.

57% of people with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa are women.

3,000,000 The number of people the World Health Organisation wants to be treated with anti-retroviral drugs by the end of 2005.

440,000 The number of people receiving this treatment, according to the latest figures for 2004.

22,500 lives were claimed by Aids in North America and Western Europe last year.

Source: The Independent (UK) 1/13/05