Key Facts: Women and HIV/AIDS

Women comprise a growing share of new cases of AIDS in the United States. In 1986, women only represented 7% of new cases of AIDS. By 1999 that share had risen to nearly one quarter. Not only do women represent an increasing share of persons with AIDS, today they represent 30 percent of new HIV infections. Women of color, particularly African Americans, have been hardest hit among women.

This report provides an overview of the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic on women. It draws from recent data and research on the epidemiology of HIV/AIDS among women, including data on cases and mortality; health services use and coverage; and attitudinal data from several recent national surveys. Key Facts presents current snapshots and trends over time, and examines the impact of the epidemic on women generally, as well as the disproportionate impact on minority women.

This report and a related fact sheet on Women and HIV/AIDS were developed for a Capitol Hill Briefing on Women and HIV/AIDS. For more information on the Foundation’s briefing series, see the Capitol Hill Briefing Series on HIV/AIDS page of our web site.

Report (.pdf)