This page contains pictures and 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 HIV/AIDS pictures and videos section.

At the end of 2005, an estimated 38.6 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.

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.

Each day around two thousand children become infected with HIV, most of whom acquire 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.

WHERE NEXT?

AVERT.org has more about:

• AIDS pictures and videos
• Searchable photo gallery
• AIDS orphans
• HIV & AIDS stigma and discrimination