AIDS is the number one cause of death among women aged 15 to 49 globally, according to UNAIDS data.
A major factor is gender-based violence, which affects 70% of these women and severely limits their ability to negotiate safe sex.
UNAIDS, the United Nations agency dedicated to ending the AIDS epidemic, launched a comprehensive five-year plan yesterday in New York to address these critical issues. Renowned singer Annie Lennox is a key supporter of the campaign.
At the end of 2008, more than 33 million people were living with HIV.
