Global burden of the HIV pandemic

Within the global pandemic of HIV infection there are many different epidemics, each with its own dynamics and each influenced by many factors including time of introduction of the virus, population density, and cultural and social issues. Effective management strategies depend on knowledge of all these factors. By the year 2000, WHO projections are that 26 million persons will be infected with HIV, more than 90% of whom will be in developing countries. To control AIDS, countries must not only promote changes in individual behaviour but also address social issues such as unemployment, rapid urbanisation, migration, and the status of women.