Acquired immune deficiency syndrome
Version: November 2025
Introduction
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a life-threatening condition caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which damages the immune system by attacking CD4 cells crucial for fighting infections. The weakening of the immune system increases susceptibility to opportunistic infections and certain cancers. HIV is mainly transmitted through blood, sexual contact, and mother-to-child during childbirth or breastfeeding. While there’s no cure, antiretroviral therapy (ART) effectively controls the virus, enabling individuals to live longer, healthier lives. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital for managing HIV/AIDS, reducing transmission, and improving quality of life.
Highlights
- The annual case numbers of AIDS have been fluctuating, with peaks around the November-December months of each year, hinting at seasonal variations.
- Death counts largely follow the trend of case numbers, with notable increases during the later months of each year, suggesting a correlation between cases and mortality rates.
- There is a noticeable decline in both cases and deaths in 2025 compared to previous years, indicating potential improvements in management and prevention strategies.
- Despite overall declines, spikes in monthly case numbers, such as in March and September 2025, suggest continued challenges in controlling the spread and require ongoing vigilance.
Analysis
Cases Analysis
The data on Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) cases in mainland China from 2015 to 2025 reveals fluctuations in both incidence and mortality over the years. In November 2015, there were 5040 cases and 1352 deaths, with subsequent monthly increases. A peak occurs in December 2018 with 7897 cases and 2444 deaths, marking the highest figures within this period. From 2019, the reported cases remain elevated, with notable surges in July 2019 and November 2019, showing 6912 and 7366 cases, respectively. These fluctuations might reflect varying public health measures and sociopolitical influences on disease transmission and reporting.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 impacts the recorded figures, yet cases remain high, indicating continued public health challenges. While monthly figures post-2020 display variability, a general trend of decline mixed with periodic surges can be observed, such as December 2023 with 5295 cases and 2068 deaths. This indicates challenges in controlling transmission and suggests areas for improvement in healthcare responses. Overall, the dataset highlights the cyclical dynamics in AIDS incidence, suggesting ongoing issues with disease control measures and healthcare system efficacy throughout these years.
Deaths Analysis
The dataset covering November 2015 to November 2025 highlights trends in AIDS mortality in mainland China. From 2015 to 2018, there is a marked increase in both cases and deaths, peaking notably in late 2018. November and December 2018 witnessed high death tolls of 2467 and 2444, respectively, coinciding with a significant rise in cases. This trend suggests potential challenges in treatment access or increased disease transmission, underscoring the importance of examining healthcare and public awareness interventions of that period.
Between 2019 and the end of 2024, fluctuations in cases and deaths signal several influencing factors, such as possible seasonal variations or changes in healthcare policies. Notably, December 2020 saw a spike in deaths, reaching 2105, against a backdrop of potential healthcare disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020 and early 2021, there was a noticeable drop in cases, likely reflecting the broader impact of the pandemic on healthcare systems globally. From 2022 onwards, deaths generally show a downward trend, though fluctuations persist. By 2025, data suggest a reduction in deaths, indicating potential improvements in disease management or effective public health measures. Overall, the varying trends emphasize the need for continued monitoring and intervention to sustainably reduce AIDS incidence and mortality across the region.