Gaps in the Global Fight Against AIDS

The AIDS epidemic could be ended by 2030 according to UNAIDS reporting. There is reason to be optimistic: New HIV infections and deaths from AIDS are declining, and more and more people are receiving life-sustaining antiretroviral therapy.

Yet across the world, vulnerable populations like LGBT people, sex workers, and people who inject drugs remain at high risk for the disease and often lack access to prevention and treatment services. Seventy-eight countries criminalize homosexual sex; the death penalty is on the books in seven. Globally, sex workers are 12 times more likely to have HIV than the general population. Thirteen percent of people who inject drugs are HIV positive.

"Gap Map" is a Pulitzer Center initiative that highlights those who are most disproportionately affected by the disease. The project draws on our global network of journalists to amplify the voices of these marginalized communities and raise awareness around the stigma and discrimination that many face. The map is easily shared and fully embeddable. We welcome others to make use of this work and to let us know where other people are at risk of falling through the gaps.