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HIV/AIDS is so severe in sub-Saharan Africa that the UN is concerned it will cast a shadow over generations yet to come.
According to their recent annual 'AIDS Epidemic Update 2004', the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNAIDS expect the effects of the disease will also be felt in countries that succeed in the AIDS battle.
"Current high prevalence levels mean that even those countries that do eventually reverse the epidemic's course will have to contend with serious AIDS epidemics for many subsequent years. The havoc wrought by AIDS will shape the lives of several generations of Africans."
It is estimated that Africans account for some 25.4 million of the 39.4 million people infected with HIV globally.
This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions