The number of women infected with HIV is climbing rapidly.
 
In 2000, the number of women infected with HIV totalled 13 million worldwide. By the end of 2001, 17 million of the 40 million people living with HIV/AIDS
were women. In Canada, women represented 18% of new HIV infections in 1996. Five years later in 2001, women accounted for over 24% of new
HIV infections.

Women are biologically more vulnerable than men to HIV infection because of the greater exposed surface area of the female genital tract. Studies show that male to female transmission appears to be two to four times more likely than female to male transmission. Sexual transmission of HIV from woman to woman appears to be rare.

Young girls are especially vulnerable, since their immature cervixes and low vaginal mucus production present less of a barrier to HIV.

Women who are HIV positive can transmit the virus to their unborn babies. If a pregnant woman is found to be HIV positive, medication (AZT) can be taken by the mother and by the newborn to reduce the likelihood of perinatal (mother-to-child) transmission.

Women who have sex with men have no way of protecting themselves against HIV/AIDS except by convincing their sexual partners to wear condoms. This means women need to be able to play an active role in discussing and practicing safer sex if they want to stay healthy.

For more information on HIV/AIDS and women, check out our Briefing Documents and our Links.