U.N: Global AIDS epidemic still growing

GENEVA, Switzerland, Nov. 21 (UPI) -- The World Health Organization says new data show the global AIDS epidemic is growing and some nations report resurgence in recent HIV infection rates.

The UNAIDS program, part of the WHO, reports approximately 39.5 million people are living with HIV, with 4.3 million new infections reported this year -- mostly in sub-Saharan Africa. However, officials said there were also increases in infection rates in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

Some 2.9 million people have died of AIDS-related illnesses this year, the WHO reported.

Officials said new data suggest HIV prevention programs have not been sustained in North America and Western Europe, where the number of new infections has remained static. Similarly in low- and middle-income nations, there are only a few examples of countries actually reducing new infections.

"This is worrying -- as we know increased HIV prevention programs in these countries have shown progress in the past -- Uganda being a prime example," said UNAIDS Executive Director Dr. Peter Piot. "This means that countries are not moving at the same speed as their epidemics. We need to greatly intensify life-saving prevention efforts while we expand HIV treatment programs."