The impact of AIDS

The human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS)epidemic is one of the major development challenges facing developing countries today. HIV/AIDS is directly threatening the achievement of the eight Millennium Development Goals established following the adoption of the United Nations Millennium Declaration by the General Assembly in its resolution 55/2 of 9 September 2000. In addition to the specific goal of combating HIV/AIDS, the pandemic puts at risk the goals of eradicating poverty, achieving universal primary education, promoting gender equality, reducing child mortality, improving maternal health, ensuring environment sustainability and creating a global partnership for development. Soon after the onset of the epidemic, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) Population Division began to study the demography of HIV/AIDS and incorporated the impact of HIV/AIDS into the estimates and projections of national populations. In a continuing effort to expand its activities related to the pandemic, the Population Division has also studied HIV/AIDS behaviour and awareness and has conducted a study on the impact of AIDS on fertility. The present report considers the broader impact of HIV/AIDS on development. The report reviews the impact of AIDS on households, firms,agriculture, health,education and the macro-economy. The report makes extensive use of information and data obtained from and studies conducted by United Nations offices and specialized agencies as well as other institutions dealing with HIV/AIDS. Particular recognition is due to the joint United Nations Programmes on HIV/AIDS and its collaborating agencies (see http:/www.unaids.org).