AIDS at 25

Frontline on PBS is showing a landmark documentary called "The Age of Aids" about the history of AIDS and where we stand now. Part 1 was shown last night with Part 2 being shown tonight. If you get a chance to watch it, I say you should.

Just some facts about the quarter of a century since AIDS was discovered:

AIDS has surpassed even the direst of epidemiological predictions. Today, no region on earth remains untouched by the virus, which continues to stay one step ahead of the best minds in biomedical research.

Worldwide, approximately 40 million people are living with HIV/AIDS.

Women today comprise half of all infections worldwide. For a variety of biological and socioeconomic reasons, women¯especially young women¯are at increased risk of infection.

An estimated 15 million children have lost one or both parents to AIDS.

With half of all new infections occurring in people under 25, a whole new generation of young people is now in the crosshairs of the pandemic.

Sub-Saharan Africa has been decimated by AIDS. Without adequate treatment and prevention efforts, Eastern Europe and Asia will be the next epicenters of the epidemic.

Most people with HIV/AIDS live in the developing world, where a majority do not have access to lifesaving antiretroviral treatment.