[The HIV pandemic in the year 2007, an overview]

--40 million people are infected with HIV worldwide, the majority of whom (63%) are in sub-Saharan Africa. --While the absolute number of HIV infections continues to increase, the rate of growth of the pandemic is stabilising, possibly as a result of changes in sexual behaviour or a maturing ofthe epidemic in countries with high AIDS-related mortality. --80% of people infected with HIV that requires treatment do not have access to antiretroviral drugs. --A single dose of nevirapine given to mothers before delivery and to newborns after delivery can reduce the risk oftransmission to 10-15%. Only 9% of HIV-positive pregnant women worldwide have access to this method of prevention. --Two studies showed that male circumcision reduces the risk of HIV infection by 53-60%. --About 60 different vaginal microbicides are under investigation at this time; so far results with this approach have been disappointing. --More than 35 vaccines have been tested in clinical trials; none have appeared to be sufficiently effective. Most candidate vaccines under current investigation focus on T cell immunity. --Increasingly more people favour an 'opting-out' strategy for HIV testing.