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.
It's really good to see the improvement on AIDS, but more needs to be done. More drugs need to be sent to Sub-Saharan Africa to help treat people. Not only do they need more drugs, but they need more education on AIDS. 33% may sound low to some people, but to me it is still very high. If Africa can fix their AIDS problem, many lives would be saved.
ReplyDeleteThis supports everything that we have learned in class. There are two approaches to getting rid of aids, you could start and tackle the aids in africa since it is the biggest problem, or get everywhere else solved then approach africa. It would make sense to start with Africa since it is the biggest problem, then they would be able to tackle almost any problem that arises. If they started with Africa it would truly be the beginning to the end.
ReplyDeleteIt is pretty amazing that we have made this much progress in 30 years. Even though there are still a lot to be done it is great to know that the world is at a much better place then 30 year ago. Hopefully by the next 30 years we will not have to even talk about AIDS/HIV in Africa. Seeing how much attention we are putting toward Africa now, hopefully we will have results soon.
ReplyDelete