I need
  
The number of women infected with HIV is climbing rapidly. Worldwide, women account for half of all people living with HIV. In Canada, women account for a growing proportion of new HIV infections: from 11.3% of test reports in the 1985-1996 period, to 27.8% of positive HIV test reports in 2006.

(Source: HIV/AIDS Epi Updates, November 2007, Surveillance and Risk Assessment Division, Centre for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Public Health Agency of Canada, 2007.)

Women are biologically more vulnerable than men to HIV infection because of the greater exposed surface area of the female genital tract. Studies show that male to female transmission appears to be 2 to 4 times more likely than female to male transmission. Young girls are especially vulnerable, since their immature cervixes and low vaginal mucus production present less of a barrier to HIV.

Women who are HIV positive can transmit the virus to their unborn babies during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding. If a pregnant woman is found to be HIV positive, medication can be taken by the mother and by the newborn to reduce the likelihood of mother-to-child transmission.

Women who have sex with men can protect themselves against HIV/AIDS by using female condoms or convincing their sexual partners to wear male condoms. This means women must play an active role in discussing and practicing safer sex and being responsible for their health.

For more information on HIV/AIDS and women, check out our Briefing Documents.