Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2002. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Associated Press - Sunday December 1, 2002
Jane Wardell, Associated Press Writer
In a statement on World AIDS day, the London-based human rights group called for more efforts worldwide to dispel myths and prejudices surrounding the disease.
"Those who are on the social margins of society, who are denied access to their most basic human rights - to freedom from discrimination, to education, to physical integrity, to health care and to economic security - are the most vulnerable to HIV infection," Amnesty said.
More than 22 million people have died from AIDS and an estimated 36 million others are believed to be living with HIV, the virus that causes the disease. An estimated 75 percent of the infected live in sub-Saharan Africa.
Women especially are at risk because their inferior status in many societies exposes them to unprotected or unwanted sex, the organization said.
"Once it is known or suspected that they are infected with HIV they may be stigmatized, subjected to ill-treatment, denied entry into foreign countries, rejected by the social service and health care systems or denied housing and employment."
Amnesty said millions of people are doomed to early deaths because they can't afford treatment for AIDS and urged the United Nations to move quickly on its goal of reversing the pandemic by 2015.
Children orphaned by the pandemic were also often not receiving the appropriate protection and care, Amnesty said.
It is estimated that by 2010 there will be 20 million children who have lost one or both parents due to AIDS, the majority in Southern Africa.
Amnesty said many of those children, particularly girls, will be burdened with a parenting role and economic responsibilities.
021201
AP021204
Copyright © 2002 - Associated Press. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the AP Permissions Desk.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2002. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2002. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .