Answer :
Final answer:
As of 2017, UNAIDS reported approximately 36.9 million people worldwide living with HIV/AIDS. Advancements in antiretroviral therapy have led to longer lifespans for those with HIV, though the epidemic continues to affect millions globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. So, the correct answer is option (c).
Explanation:
The HIV/AIDS epidemic has been a significant health challenge worldwide since its identification in the early 1980s. The prevalence of HIV, or the number of people living with HIV, has increased over time due to a combination of new infections and the longer survival of those infected, thanks to advancements in treatments such as antiretroviral therapy. Historically, the rate of new infections, or incidence, has seen a decline. In 2001, there were approximately 3 million new infections, which fell to 2.7 million in 2005, demonstrating some progress in controlling the spread of the virus.
The impact of HIV/AIDS is most heavily felt in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the vast majority of those living with HIV reside. Although new infections have decreased, the total number of people living with HIV has continued to rise because of the longer lifespan of individuals receiving treatment. In the United States in 2008, there were about 1.2 million people living with HIV, and the number has only continued to grow globally.
Mortality due to AIDS has also seen changes over time. While there were 2.2 million deaths in 2005, this number fell to 2 million in 2007, reflecting the impact of more widely available treatments. The epidemic has had far-reaching consequences, including a significant reduction in life expectancy in affected regions and millions of children left orphaned.