The HIV/AIDS epidemic has already claimed over 25 million lives and another 33.2 million people are currently estimated to be living with HIV/AIDS worldwide. HIV/AIDS cases have been reported in all regions of the world.

Nearly 2 million people are estimated to be living with HIV/AIDS in Latin America and the Caribbean combined, 117,000 of whom were newly infected with HIV in 2007. The HIV/AIDS epidemic has had a profound impact on the Caribbean region, the second-most affected region in the world, after sub-Saharan Africa, and the most affected in the Americas. the Dominican Republic and Haiti have the highest prevalance rates in the region and together account for nearly three-quarters of those living with HIV in the Caribbean. AIDS is the leading cause of death among 15-44 year-olds in the region. The epidemic varies significantly across the region’s countries and by population, reflecting the Caribbean’s cultural, ethnic, and geographic diversity. Women are increasingly affected, comprising half of those living with HIV/AIDS. Young people– especially young women–are at particular risk.

To learn more about HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean visit: cbmphiv.org