Mortality due to HIV infection/AIDS in Venezuela, 1996-2007

Reduction in morbidity and particularly in mortality due to HIV/AIDS has been achieved through prevention and treatment programs. These have demonstrated being successful in many places of the World. The objective of this study is to review and analyze the pattern of occurrence of HIV/AIDS mortality in Venezuela between 1996 and 2007. This is a descriptive study of the mortality due to "Disease due to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (B20-B24)" from the annual records of mortality of the Ministry of Health of Venezuela for the period 1996-2007. Human Immunodeficiency Virus has increased in death numbers, mortality rates and position as specific cause of death in Venezuela during the study period, having a higher importance at the Capital District and at the Bolivar state, being more relevant in the population of 25-35 years-old, and from the male sex, although in females is also increasing. These results represent a need for an integral approach to the problem prevention in order to significantly reduce the burden of disease in Venezuela.