In 2005, of the 6873 cases of HIV infection reported, virtually all were sexually acquired. While men becoming infected through homosexual sex still accounted for a large number of cases, the largest single group was women infected through heterosexual sex.1

The age profile of men acquiring HIV through sexual activity is consistent whether the infection is transferred homosexually or heterosexually, with the peak being in the early to mid 30s. The profile for women is similar, but the peak occurs in the mid to late 20s, reflecting the general trend of women being younger than their sexual partners.2