How many people have HIV?
In its 2008 Global Report UNAIDS estimates there is between 30.3
million and 36.1 million people living with HIV. See:
<http://www.unaids.org/en/KnowledgeCentre/HIVData/GlobalReport/2008/2008_Global_report.asp>.
However, putting aside the estimates and surveys, I wonder how many
people alive today have received a positive HIV antibody test result?
I've been reading about the current shindig in Mexico City, which has
gathered together 25,000 HIV specialists to discuss their lack of
progress on HIV.
Taking UNAIDS highest estimate of 36.1 million HIVers means there's
currently one HIV specialist partying it up in Mexico City for every
1,444 people estimated to have HIV.
But, back to my original question: how many people have HIV? In
developed countries, such as the US and United Kingdom, the HIV
estimates are typically inflated by a third because HIV is so fatal
and dangerous that a third of those infected are unaware they have the
killer virus. HIV cases are probably even more vastly over-estimated
in other countries, and in particular those hit hardest by the
'pandemic.' However, let's be generous and only knock a third off
UNAIDS highest estimate.
That leaves 24 million. So, assuming there are 24 million people
alive today who have received a positive HIV antibody test result,
there is currently one HIV specialist enjoying freebies in Mexico City
for every 960 people infected with HIV.
Now, I'm wondering what percentage of HIV experts are attending the
party? One in ten? One in a hundred? One in a thousand? See where
I'm going with this? There's an awful lot of HIV experts, aren't
there?
It wouldn't surprise me if there weren't more hangers-on to HIV, such
as experts, doctors, fund-raisers and do-gooders, than those actually
infected. No wonder they're not willing to let go of their HIV
fantasy.
--
<http://www.hiv-poz.co.uk/>
4,949 days and counting...
