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| Swaziland and the AIDS Crisis
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Swaziland has the highest HIV prevalence rate in the world
The first case of HIV in Swaziland was reported in 1986. Today, HIV prevalence in Swaziland is the highest in the world. HIV transmission in Swaziland is predominantly spread through heterosexual sexual contact. For every one new person placed on antiretroviral (ARV) treatment between 2005 and 2007, four new persons became infected with HIV. It is projected that by 2010 there will be 110,000 orphaned children in a population of roughly 900,000.
• 19% of the general population lives with HIV
• 38% of females aged 20-24 are HIV positive
• 49% of females aged 25 to 29 are HIV positive.
• It is estimated that 44 adults and children in Swaziland become infected with HIV every single day.
• The average life expectancy in Swaziland is 37 years (10 years ago it was 62 years)
Swaziland simply can’t keep up with the growing epidemic.
Education can help us win the war against HIV/AIDS
Sources:
- United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
- Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN)
- Swaziland Demographic and Health Survey, 2007, Central Statistics Office
- United Nations Population Fund
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