HIV continues to be a major global public health issue, having claimed more than 35 million lives since the start of the epidemic. In 2016, 1.0 million people died from HIV-related causes globally. But while there is no cure for HIV infection, effective antiretroviral (ARV) drugs can control the virus and help prevent transmission so that people with HIV, and those at substantial risk, can enjoy healthy, long, and productive lives.

WHO estimates that currently only 70% of people with HIV know their status. To reach the target of 90%, an additional 7.5 million people need to access HIV testing services. In mid-2017, 20.9 million people living with HIV were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) globally.

Between 2000 and 2016, new HIV infections fell by 39%, and HIV-related deaths fell by one third with 13.1 million lives saved due to ART in the same period. This achievement was the result of great efforts by national HIV programmes supported by civil society and a range of development partners.

For information on IDA's HIV/AIDS initiatives, see our HIV/AIDS page. 

Did you know: In July 2018, Amsterdam will host the AIDS 2018 conference? Registration opens today!