Significant progress has been made in addressing HIV and AIDS in recent years, including increasing access to antiretroviral medicines around the world, helping millions live longer lives. But sadly AIDS remains one of the leading causes of death globally and the primary cause of death in Africa.

According to The Joint United Nations Commission on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), in 2007, more than 2 million people died of AIDS. Some 33 million were living with HIV. With more than 6,800 new infections and more than 5,700 deaths each day due to AIDS, efforts must continue to reduce significantly the impact of AIDS worldwide ⁶.

As the pandemic continues to expand with more people becoming infected per year, it will become increasingly challenging to ensure everyone has access to the medicines they need. The solution lies in a multifaceted approach that addresses both treatment and prevention, with the public and private sectors working together toward a common goal. Merck believes that the pharmaceutical industry has an important role and responsibility to play as part of this solution.

The content on this page was last modified on October 24, 2008.

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⁶UNAIDS, Press Release. Global HIV Prevalence Has Levelled Off: AIDS is Among the Leading Causes of Death Globally and Remains the Primary Cause of Death in Africa 2008.