This biennial report sets out current knowledge on the state of the global AIDS epidemic, produced for the 15th International AIDS Conference, held in Bangkok in July 2004. Topics discussed include: the spread of HIV/AIDS and its impact on people and societies, including youth; treatment, care and support; human rights aspects; financing and the availability of resources; national responses; country-by-country data on the extent of the epidemic. Findings include that, far from levelling off, rates of infection are still on the rise in many countries, notably in the Sub-Saharan African region, in Eastern Europe and in Asia, with the large populous countries of China, India and Indonesia of particular concern. The report also highlights the growing 'feminisation' of the global epidemic, with an increasing number of women infected with HIV, who often experience greater stigma and discrimination due to gender inequality. However, the report finds that progress is being made with successful approaches evolving at local, national, regional and global levels. Greater resources are needed, particularly in heavily affected countries, as well as more effective spending on AIDS treatment and prevention strategies, including access to antiretroviral treatment.