| Introduction to the HIV Fact Finder | Worldwide, HIV
infection continues to be one of the most devastating epidemics experienced by human
society and it has been predicted that forty million people will be infected by the year
2000. In 1997, 5.8 million people were newly infected with HIV and 30.6 million are
estimated to be living with HIV and AIDS. This is equivalent to 16,000 new infections
daily. In Europe it is estimated that there are just over half a million people living with HIV and AIDS. The epidemic is thought to have been contained throughout the Western Europe, but we cannot be complacent. The rate of infection may be slower than was predicted in the early days of the epidemic, but while it still exists, everyone needs to be educated about ways of preventing infection. Moreover, an epidemic of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases is flourishing in Eastern Europe. This is of concern to us all. The HIV Fact Finder has been developed as an independent reference source for journalists and policy makers by Positive Action, Glaxo Wellcome's long-term international programme of HIV education, care and community support, in association with EPPNA (European Public Policy Network on HIV and AIDS), and it aims to explain the many issues surrounding HIV and AIDS in a logical and clear way. All the information has been updated to ensure that recent developments, especially those in treatment approach, are included. The HIV Fact Finder is divided into sections that provide up to date information covering everything from the origins of the epidemic, the basic science, the groups most commonly affected by HIV and AIDS, to the legal and human rights situation. While every effort has been made to make each section as comprehensive as possible, each section also includes references to other sources of information. The information is presented in an easy-to-use form with simplified definitions of key terms. Diagrams and graphics supporting the explanation of basic epidemiological and scientific data are also included. We recognise that the HIV and AIDS epidemic is a complex and media-sensitive one. The HIV Fact Finder endeavours to provide an overview of it that both clarifies the issues and raises awareness of them. With the epidemic still growing, HIV and AIDS will be of continued importance and interest to both the media and policy makers. The HIV Fact Finder’s aim is to encourage the reporting of HIV and AIDS and the development of public policies in an accurate and informed way, for the benefit of everyone. We at EPPNA are delighted to have been involved in the development of this important resource. Eleanor McKenzie and Angus Malcolm Editors of EPPNA Review, Journal of the European Public Policy Network on HIV and AIDS. |
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