According to WHO, violence is both a cause and consequence of HIV infection. In some countries, the percentage of women reporting that their first sexual experience was forced – one of the reasons for increasing infection rates among young women – is as high as 30 per cent. Infected women sometimes experience further violence from their partners and communities, due to stigma and discrimination. This is one of the most clear-cut connections between eliminating violence against women and achievement of the MDGs. The new target and indicator on provision of treatment for HIV infection is essential but must be properly focused on women. In 2005 only 11 per cent of pregnant women in low and middle-income countries who were HIV-positive were receiving services to prevent the transmission of the virus to their newborns. HIV/AIDS prevention amongst women is clearly tied to improved reproductive health services, information access, and enforcement of women's sexual and reproductive rights.

Figure MDG6.2: Prevalence of HIV Is Dramatically Increasing among Young Women

Young women are two to three times more likely to be infected with HIV than men of the same age group.

Sources: UNAIDS (2008).

Figure MDG6.3: Better Understanding of HIV/AIDS among Young Men than Young Women

Proportion of population aged 15-24 years old with comprehensive correct knowledge of HIV/AIDS in selected countries, 2005-06

Notes: Various household and demographic surveys are used to collect information on men and women with comprehensive knowledge on HIV/AIDS. The complete list of surveys can be accessed through the UNSD website.
Sources: UN Statistics Division Millennium Indicators database.