33.4 mn affected by HIV-AIDS: WHO & UNAIDS report

Hong Kong, Nov 24: A statement issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Joint UN Programme on HIV-AIDS (UNAIDS) has revealed that an estimated 33.4 million people worldwide are infected with the AIDS. However those affected by the disease are living longer.

The number has risen from the estimated figure of 33 million in 2007. But due to the availability of HIV drugs, those affected by the disease are living longer, the report said.

"The number of AIDS-related deaths has declined by over 10 pc over the past five years as more people gained access to life saving treatment," the report reads.

AIDS or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome is caused by the HIV virus which affects and breaks down the human body's immune system.

OneIndia News