Yet almost six million people became infected this year. Every one of these new HIV infections represents a prevention failure, our collective failure. In the worst affected countries, Aids life expectancy has plummetted as infant deaths have taken their toll. In Namibia alone infant mortality is expected to double by 2010. But while the human cost continues to leave its mark, the onslaught of Aids is also hitting the economic development of the worst affected countries.
Aids is reported to have absorbed one fifth of company earnings in Zimbabwe.
Firms in Tanzania and Zambia estimate the cost of Aids illnesses and death was more than their total annual profits. But as the epidemic continues to spin out of control, countries face more than just a health crisis. They face a growing threat to human development and to economic and social stability. War spreads the disease Conflict has also become a critical factor in the spread of the disease. HIV infection rose sixfold among formerly rural people who had fled to refugee camps.