HIV/AIDS Fact Sheet

Swaziland

Landlocked between South Africa and Mozambique lies the kingdom of Swaziland, one of the last remaining monarchies in the world. The country is approximately the size of New Jersey and is home to 1 million inhabitants. The proportion of the population living below the poverty line is 69 percent (of which 63 percent are females and 37 percent males), and these individuals subsist on less than $24 per capita per month. In 1999, the king of Swaziland declared AIDS a national disaster.

Here are some more key facts about HIV/AIDS in Swaziland:

• Swaziland has the highest HIV prevalence in the world, with current estimates indicating that one-fifth of the population is infected. (UNAIDS)

• Life expectancy in Swaziland in 36 years for men and 39 years for women. (UNAIDS 2006)

• Women are significantly more affected by HIV than men, accounting for 55 percent of the infected population. Of the 220,000 people infected with HIV in Swaziland, approximately 120,000 are women. (UNAIDS 2006)

• Estimates indicate that 43 percent of pregnant women in Swaziland are infected with HIV. (UNAIDS 2006)

• There are 15,000 children infected with HIV in Swaziland and an estimated 63,000 AIDS orphans. (UNAIDS 2006)

• The Foundation has been active in Swaziland since 2003 and is the largest partner supporting prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV programs in the country.

• The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation funds 31 sites in all 4 regions of the country, including 5 hospitals, 5 public health units, and 21 clinics.

• As of March 31, 2007, over 34,000 pregnant women in Swaziland have received services to prevent transmission of HIV from mothers to babies through Foundation-supported programs.
  
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