While these numbers may seem small compared to those of Africa, it is important to see how HIV/AIDS is directly affecting the United States and Canada.

Fact 1

More than 900,000 cases of AIDS have been reported in the United States since 1981.

Fact 2

As many as 950,000 Americans may be infected with HIV, one-quarter of whom are unaware of their infection.

Fact 3

The epidemic is growing most rapidly among minority populations and is a leading killer of African-American males ages 25 to 44.

Fact 4

AIDS affects nearly seven times more African Americans and three times more Hispanics than whites

Fact 5

In 2003, two-thirds of U.S. AIDS cases in both women and children were among African-Americans.

Fact 6

At the end of 2003, an estimated 1,039,000 to 1,185,000 persons in the United States were living with HIV/AIDS, with 24-27% undiagnosed and unaware of their HIV infection.

Fact 7

In 2004, there were 48 AIDS cases estimated in children under age 13.

Fact 8

In 2004, the estimated number of diagnoses of AIDS in the United States was 42,514. Adult and adolescent AIDS cases totaled 42,466 with 31,024 cases in males and 11,442 cases in females.

Fact 9

The cumulative estimated number of deaths of persons with AIDS through 2004 is 529,113, including 523,598 adults and adolescents, and 5,515 children under age 13.

Fact 10

New York is the state with the highest number of cumulative AIDS cases through 2004, with 166,844 known cases.

Fact 11

At the end of 2005, an estimated 58,000 people in Canada were living with HIV infection (including AIDS).

Fact 12

It is estimated that women account for 20% of people living with HIV infection in Canada at the end of 2005.

Fact 13

At the end of 2005, an estimated 27% of the 58,000 individuals living with HIV in Canada were unaware of their infection.

Sources:

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: National Institute of Health

Center for Disease Control

Public Health Agency of Canada