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Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

General Information

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an infection that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the white blood cells, weakening a person’s immunity against opportunistic infections, such as tuberculosis and fungal infections, severe bacterial infections and some cancers. The most advanced stage of HIV infection is acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

There is no cure for HIV infection. However, with increasing access to effective HIV prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care, including for opportunistic infections, HIV infection has become a manageable chronic health condition, enabling people living with HIV to lead long and healthy lives.

Transmission

Though people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) tend to be most infectious in the first few months after being infected, many are unaware of their status until the later stages.

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Epidemiology

2020

There were an estimated 37.7 million people living with HIV at the end of 2020. In 2020, 680,000 people died from HIV-related causes.​

HIV continues to be a major global public health issue, having claimed 36.3 million lives so far.​

Vaccines
Pipeline

3
Vaccines in
the pipeline

Technology Platforms

  • mRNA (2)
  • Viral vector (1)

DEVELOPMENT PHASES

  • Phase I (2)
  • Phase III (1)

TRIAL POPULATION

    Adults (2)​
    N/A (1)​

Source: 
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hiv-aids
[Accessed: November 2022]

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