December 1st marked World AIDS Day - and a little over 30 years of the discovery of the disease in America. Much has changed over these 30 years. Regrettably, the number of people living with HIV/AIDS is higher than ever. According to UN AIDS, about 33.3 million people were living with HIV in 2009 (according to this article). While this world record number is astounding, it does hold some hope. These are 33.3 million people living with HIV. A diagnosis of HIV or AIDS is no longer a death sentence for most people, which is certainly something to celebrate. Antiretroviral drugs have been integral in getting to this point. Many movements and articles suggest that this is the "beginning of the end" of AIDS. However, unfortunately not everyone has access to these drugs.
One area that does not get the attention and help it needs in relation to HIV/AIDS is sub-Saharan Africa. Take a quick look at the animation on this website, the "AIDS Clock". It shows pictorially what the data presents. Sub-Saharan Africa has a disproportionately high of the world's HIV/AIDS burden. Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for 12% of the world’s population; however, 67% of people living with HIV/AIDS live in this region, according the the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation’s November 2009 factsheet. Sub-Saharan Africa also accounts for 70% of the new HIV infections in the world and of AIDS-related deaths, according to the same factsheet.
While progress is being made, not all areas are reaping the benefits. More still need to be done for this time to truly be the "beginning of the end" of HIV/AIDS, especially in sub-Saharan Africa.
