AVERT - AVERTing HIV and AIDS

This page contains photos of people who are HIV positive, AIDS orphans, and children who are affected by HIV/AIDS. Other HIV/AIDS pictures and photos can be found in the photo gallery.

People who are HIV positive

Please click on the image you would like to view

At the end of 2007, an estimated 33 million people were living with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. This number includes men, women and children of all ethnic and social backgrounds. Virtually every country in the world has been affected.

AIDS orphans

Please click on the image you would like to view

An estimated 15 million children have lost at least one parent to AIDS. Around 80% of these orphans live in sub-Saharan Africa, the world's worst affected region. Traditionally these children would have been supported by their extended families. However, the epidemic is now so severe in some countries that family structures cannot cope, and many orphans are forced to live in child-headed households.

Children affected by AIDS

Please click on the image you would like to view

In 2007 an estimated 370,000 children became infected with HIV, most of whom acquired the virus from their mothers. HIV can have a powerful impact on children even if they are not themselves infected. When a family member falls ill, children often fill the role of carer or wage-earner, and so are robbed of their childhoods and education.

Last updated July 13, 2010