Question

New York City is the largest city in the United States with a population of about 8 million people. Compare the number of orphans left from HIV/AIDS now in Africa to the population of New York City. Next compare the number of expected orphans left from HIV/AIDS in Africa to the population of New York City.

Answer 1

Answer: 34 to 36 million

Explanation: HIV/AIDS has shaken the already weak economic and social infrastructures of many developing countries. While the majority of infections occur in young adults, children have been affected in numerous ways. Almost three million children younger than 15 years of age are estimated to be HIV-positive, with the vast majority of infections occurring in developing nations (1). As home to 10% of the world’s population but 70% of HIV infections, Sub-Saharan Africa carries the largest disease burden (2). Thirteen million children younger than 15 years of age have lost one or both parents to AIDS, with the number expected to rise to 25 million by 2010 (1). In several African countries, 15% of children are expected to be orphaned by the end of this decade (1).