In 2023, South Africa and Nigeria had the highest number of deaths due to AIDS worldwide, with around ** thousand and ** thousand such deaths, respectively. African countries account for eight of the top 10 countries with the highest number of AIDS-related deaths worldwide. AIDS-related deaths worldwide have been gradually declining over the past decade, decreasing from *** million deaths in 2010 to *** thousand deaths in 2023. HIV/AIDS HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is an infectious sexually transmitted disease that is transmitted via exposure to infected semen, blood, vaginal and anal fluids and breast milk. HIV weakens the human immune system, resulting in the affected person being unable to fight off opportunistic infections. The top 15 countries worldwide with the highest prevalence of new HIV infections as of 2023 were all African. HIV treatment Although there is currently no effective cure for HIV, death can be prevented by taking HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART). Access to antiretroviral therapy worldwide has significantly increased in the past decade. As of 2023, around **** million people with HIV worldwide were receiving ART. The leading countries with the highest percentage of HIV-infected children who were receiving ART were Eswatini, Kenya, and Lesotho.

UNAIDS estimated that there were some 630,000 people worldwide that died from acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in 2023. This statistic depicts the total number of annual AIDS-related deaths worldwide from 2000 to 2023. HIV/AIDS burden A majority of countries with the highest burden due to HIV and AIDS are in Africa- in 2023, the highest number of AIDS-related deaths occurred in South Africa and Nigeria and the highest prevalence of HIV was found in Eswatini. Although access to life-saving antiretroviral therapy treatment (ART) has increased globally over recent years, many individuals living with HIV still lack access to ART. Barriers and interventions In part due to the development of ART, the number of people living with HIV worldwide is continuing to increase, reaching almost 40 million in 2023. Important public health measures to combat the burden of the disease include a combination of biomedical and behavioral interventions such as pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis, and context-specific structural interventions to reduce barriers to supplies and education. One prominent barrier faced by those living with HIV is stigma, which can often cause disadvantages in many areas of life, including employment, use of health services, and social support.

HIV/AIDS deaths in the U.S. have dropped significantly in recent years. In 1995, the death rate from HIV per 100,000 people was 16.2. That number has since decreased to 1.3 per 100,000 as of 2023. The reduction in the HIV death rate in the U.S. can be attributed to an increase in access to HIV medications. HIV/AIDS in the U.S. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) cause a systemic viral infection that damages the immune system. AIDS is a syndrome that is caused by HIV. AIDS is when the immune system is severely weakened by HIV and the body can no longer fight off infections. Among all U.S. states, Georgia, followed by Florida and Louisiana, had the highest rates of new HIV diagnoses in 2022. HIV/AIDS treatments in the U.S. HIV/AIDS treatments include antiretroviral medications to reduce the levels of HIV within the body. The largest funders for HIV/AIDS medications and research are the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Ryan White Program. The top HIV drug worldwide, based on revenue generated in 2023 was Biktarvy. Around the world, access to antiretroviral treatment has increased dramatically in recent years, a huge step in reducing the number of HIV-related deaths. There is currently no cure for HIV.

United States US: Prevalence of HIV: Total: % of Population Aged 15-49 data was reported at 0.500 % in 2014. This stayed constant from the previous number of 0.500 % for 2013. United States US: Prevalence of HIV: Total: % of Population Aged 15-49 data is updated yearly, averaging 0.500 % from Dec 2008 (Median) to 2014, with 7 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.500 % in 2014 and a record low of 0.500 % in 2014. United States US: Prevalence of HIV: Total: % of Population Aged 15-49 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s USA – Table US.World Bank: Health Statistics. Prevalence of HIV refers to the percentage of people ages 15-49 who are infected with HIV.; ; UNAIDS estimates.; Weighted Average;

The average for 2022 based on 135 countries was 1.66 percent. The highest value was in Swaziland: 25.9 percent and the lowest value was in Afghanistan: 0.1 percent. The indicator is available from 1990 to 2022. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

In January 2025, President Trump ordered a pause on funding for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and a 90-day review of all U.S. foreign assistance. By the end of March, the review had been completed, 83 percent of USAID programs were terminated, and it was announced that certain USAID functions would be overtaken by the Department of State while all others would be discontinued. A preprint research paper posted in April 2025 looked at the possible effects that reductions or cessation of U.S. foreign aid would have on global health. The researchers estimated that the elimination of U.S. foreign aid for global health would result in an additional 15.2 million AIDS-related deaths from 2025 to 2040. Furthermore, they estimated that the loss of U.S. aid would lead to 26.2 million additional HIV infections over this period. This paper has not been peer-reviewed so the estimates should be interpreted with caution, but there is no doubt that such cuts to U.S. foreign aid will result in an increase in HIV infections and deaths, especially in high-impact countries. Trump has said that the United States spends too much on foreign aid and accused USAID of being corrupt and a waste of money. However, foreign aid accounts for just one percent of the federal budget. Furthermore, it is predicted that millions of people will die due to the dissolution of USAID, as vulnerable people around the world will no longer be able to access prevention and treatment for diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.

Iraq Prevalence of HIV: Total: % of Population Aged 15-49 data was reported at 0.100 % in 2022. This stayed constant from the previous number of 0.100 % for 2021. Iraq Prevalence of HIV: Total: % of Population Aged 15-49 data is updated yearly, averaging 0.100 % from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2022, with 33 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.100 % in 2022 and a record low of 0.100 % in 2022. Iraq Prevalence of HIV: Total: % of Population Aged 15-49 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Iraq – Table IQ.World Bank.WDI: Social: Health Statistics. Prevalence of HIV refers to the percentage of people ages 15-49 who are infected with HIV.;UNAIDS estimates.;Weighted average;

As of 2023, South Africa was the country with the highest number of people living with HIV in Africa. At that time, around 7.7 million people in South Africa were HIV positive. In Mozambique, the country with the second-highest number of HIV-positive people in Africa, around 2.4 million people were living with HIV. Which country in Africa has the highest prevalence of HIV? Although South Africa has the highest total number of people living with HIV in Africa, it does not have the highest prevalence of HIV on the continent. Eswatini currently has the highest prevalence of HIV in Africa and worldwide, with almost 26 percent of the population living with HIV. South Africa has the third-highest prevalence, with around 18 percent of the population HIV positive. Eswatini also has the highest rate of new HIV infections per 1,000 population worldwide, followed by Lesotho and South Africa. However, South Africa had the highest total number of new HIV infections in 2023, with around 150,000 people newly infected with HIV that year. Deaths from HIV in Africa Thanks to advances in treatment and awareness, HIV/AIDS no longer contributes to a significant amount of death in many countries. However, the disease is still the fourth leading cause of death in Africa, accounting for around 5.6 percent of all deaths. In 2023, South Africa and Nigeria were the countries with the highest number of AIDS-related deaths worldwide with 50,000 and 45,000 such deaths, respectively. Although not every country in the leading 25 for AIDS-related deaths is found in Africa, African countries account for the majority of countries on the list. Fortunately, HIV treatment has become more accessible in Africa over the years and now up to 95 percent of people living with HIV in Eswatini are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). Access to ART does vary from country to country, however, with around 77 percent of people who are HIV positive in South Africa receiving ART, and only 31 percent in the Congo.

Cuba CU: Prevalence of HIV: Total: % of Population Aged 15-49 data was reported at 0.600 % in 2022. This stayed constant from the previous number of 0.600 % for 2021. Cuba CU: Prevalence of HIV: Total: % of Population Aged 15-49 data is updated yearly, averaging 0.200 % from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2022, with 33 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.600 % in 2022 and a record low of 0.100 % in 2003. Cuba CU: Prevalence of HIV: Total: % of Population Aged 15-49 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Cuba – Table CU.World Bank.WDI: Social: Health Statistics. Prevalence of HIV refers to the percentage of people ages 15-49 who are infected with HIV.;UNAIDS estimates.;Weighted average;

BackgroundSince the first HIV/AIDS case appeared in 1980s, HIV/AIDS has been the focus of international attention. As a major public health problem, there are epidemiological uncertainties about the future of HIV/AIDS. It is important to monitor the global statistics of HIV/AIDS prevalence, deaths, disability adjusted life years (DALYs), and risk factors for adequate prevention and control.MethodsThe Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 database was used to analyze the burden of HIV/AIDS in 1990–2019. By extracting global, regional, and national data on HIV/AIDS prevalence, deaths, and DALYs, we described the distribution by age and sex, explored the risk factors, and analyzed the trends in HIV/AIDS.ResultsIn 2019, there were 36.85 million HIV/AIDS cases (95% UI: 35.15–38.86 million), 863.84 thousand deaths (95% UI: 78.61–99.60 thousand), and 47.63 million (95% UI: 42.63–55.65 million) DALYs. The global age-standardized HIV/AIDS prevalence, death, and DALY rates were 454.32 (95% UI: 433.76–478.59), 10.72 (95% UI: 9.70–12.39), and 601.49 (95% UI: 536.16–703.92) per 100,000 cases, respectively. In 2019, the global age-standardized HIV/AIDS prevalence, death, and DALY rates increased by 307.26 (95% UI: 304.45–312.63), 4.34 (95% UI: 3.78–4.90), and 221.91 (95% UI: 204.36–239.47) per 100,000 cases, respectively, compared to 1990. Age-standardized prevalence, death, and DALY rates decreased in high sociodemographic index (SDI) areas. High age-standardized rates were observed in low sociodemographic index areas, while low age-standardized rates were observed in high sociodemographic index areas. In 2019, the high age-standardized prevalence, death, and DALY rates were predominant in Southern Sub-Saharan Africa, and global DALYs peaked in 2004 and subsequently decreased. The highest global HIV/AIDS DALYs were in the 40–44 age group. The main risk factors affecting HIV/AIDS DALY rates included behavioral risks, drug use, partner violence, and unsafe sex.ConclusionsHIV/AIDS disease burden and risk factors vary by region, sex, and age. As access to health care increases across countries and treatment for HIV/AIDS infection improves, the HIV/AIDS disease burden is concentrated in areas with low SDIs, particularly in South Africa. Regional differences should be fully considered to target optimal prevention strategies and treatment options based on risk factors.

In 2023, some 0.7 percent of the total global adult population aged between 15 and 49 years was infected with HIV. This statistic reflects the HIV prevalence among the global adult population from 1990 to 2023.

IT: Prevalence of HIV: Total: % of Population Aged 15-49 data was reported at 0.300 % in 2016. This stayed constant from the previous number of 0.300 % for 2015. IT: Prevalence of HIV: Total: % of Population Aged 15-49 data is updated yearly, averaging 0.300 % from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2016, with 27 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.300 % in 2016 and a record low of 0.100 % in 1991. IT: Prevalence of HIV: Total: % of Population Aged 15-49 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Italy – Table IT.World Bank: Health Statistics. Prevalence of HIV refers to the percentage of people ages 15-49 who are infected with HIV.; ; UNAIDS estimates.; Weighted Average;

This dataset provides detailed insights into the prevalence of HIV/AIDS among adults (ages 15–49) across various countries and regions. The data is primarily sourced from the CIA World Factbook and the UNAIDS AIDSinfo platform and reflects the most recent available estimates as of 2022–2024.

What’s Included:

Country/Region – The name of each nation or area.

Adult Prevalence of HIV/AIDS (%) – The percentage of adults estimated to be living with HIV.

Number of People with HIV/AIDS – Estimated count of people infected in each country.

Annual Deaths from HIV/AIDS – Estimated number of HIV/AIDS-related deaths per year.

Year of Estimate – The year the data was reported or estimated.

Key Highlights:

Global Prevalence: Around 0.7% of the global population was living with HIV in 2022, affecting nearly 39 million people.

Hotspots: The epidemic is most severe in Southern Africa, with countries like Eswatini, Botswana, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe reporting adult prevalence rates above 20%.

High Burden Countries:

South Africa: 17.3% prevalence, approximately 9.2 million infected

Tanzania: approximately 7.49 million

Mozambique: approximately 2.48 million

Nigeria: approximately 2.45 million (1.3% prevalence)

Notes:

Data may vary in accuracy and is subject to ongoing updates and verification.

Some entries include a dash ("-") where data was not published or available.

Countries with over 1% adult prevalence are categorized under Generalized HIV Epidemics (GHEs) by UNAIDS.

Sweden SE: Prevalence of HIV: Total: % of Population Aged 15-49 data was reported at 0.200 % in 2016. This stayed constant from the previous number of 0.200 % for 2015. Sweden SE: Prevalence of HIV: Total: % of Population Aged 15-49 data is updated yearly, averaging 0.100 % from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2016, with 27 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.200 % in 2016 and a record low of 0.100 % in 2010. Sweden SE: Prevalence of HIV: Total: % of Population Aged 15-49 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Sweden – Table SE.World Bank: Health Statistics. Prevalence of HIV refers to the percentage of people ages 15-49 who are infected with HIV.; ; UNAIDS estimates.; Weighted average;

IT: Mortality from CVD, Cancer, Diabetes or CRD between Exact Ages 30 and 70: Male data was reported at 12.000 NA in 2016. This records a decrease from the previous number of 12.400 NA for 2015. IT: Mortality from CVD, Cancer, Diabetes or CRD between Exact Ages 30 and 70: Male data is updated yearly, averaging 13.300 NA from Dec 2000 (Median) to 2016, with 5 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 17.900 NA in 2000 and a record low of 12.000 NA in 2016. IT: Mortality from CVD, Cancer, Diabetes or CRD between Exact Ages 30 and 70: Male data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Italy – Table IT.World Bank.WDI: Health Statistics. Mortality from CVD, cancer, diabetes or CRD is the percent of 30-year-old-people who would die before their 70th birthday from any of cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, or chronic respiratory disease, assuming that s/he would experience current mortality rates at every age and s/he would not die from any other cause of death (e.g., injuries or HIV/AIDS).; ; World Health Organization, Global Health Observatory Data Repository (http://apps.who.int/ghodata/).; Weighted average;

Brazil BR: Prevalence of HIV: Female: % Aged 15-24 data was reported at 0.200 % in 2017. This stayed constant from the previous number of 0.200 % for 2016. Brazil BR: Prevalence of HIV: Female: % Aged 15-24 data is updated yearly, averaging 0.200 % from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2017, with 28 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.200 % in 2017 and a record low of 0.100 % in 1991. Brazil BR: Prevalence of HIV: Female: % Aged 15-24 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Brazil – Table BR.World Bank.WDI: Social: Health Statistics. Prevalence of HIV, female is the percentage of females who are infected with HIV. Youth rates are as a percentage of the relevant age group.;UNAIDS estimates.;Weighted average;In many developing countries most new infections occur in young adults, with young women especially vulnerable.

Belarus BY: Prevalence of HIV: Total: % of Population Aged 15-49 data was reported at 0.400 % in 2022. This stayed constant from the previous number of 0.400 % for 2021. Belarus BY: Prevalence of HIV: Total: % of Population Aged 15-49 data is updated yearly, averaging 0.100 % from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2022, with 33 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.400 % in 2022 and a record low of 0.100 % in 2006. Belarus BY: Prevalence of HIV: Total: % of Population Aged 15-49 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Belarus – Table BY.World Bank.WDI: Social: Health Statistics. Prevalence of HIV refers to the percentage of people ages 15-49 who are infected with HIV.;UNAIDS estimates.;Weighted average;

BR: Mortality from CVD, Cancer, Diabetes or CRD between Exact Ages 30 and 70: Female data was reported at 13.500 NA in 2016. This records a decrease from the previous number of 13.800 NA for 2015. BR: Mortality from CVD, Cancer, Diabetes or CRD between Exact Ages 30 and 70: Female data is updated yearly, averaging 15.400 NA from Dec 2000 (Median) to 2016, with 5 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 20.000 NA in 2000 and a record low of 13.500 NA in 2016. BR: Mortality from CVD, Cancer, Diabetes or CRD between Exact Ages 30 and 70: Female data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Brazil – Table BR.World Bank.WDI: Health Statistics. Mortality from CVD, cancer, diabetes or CRD is the percent of 30-year-old-people who would die before their 70th birthday from any of cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, or chronic respiratory disease, assuming that s/he would experience current mortality rates at every age and s/he would not die from any other cause of death (e.g., injuries or HIV/AIDS).; ; World Health Organization, Global Health Observatory Data Repository (http://apps.who.int/ghodata/).; Weighted average;

The Global Burden of Disease Study 2015 (GBD 2015), coordinated by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), estimated the burden of diseases, injuries, and risk factors globally, for 21 regions, and for 195 countries and territories. This dataset was also published in The Lancet in July 2016 in "Global, regional, and national incidence, prevalence, and mortality for HIV, 1980-2015: estimates from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2015."