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HIV/AIDS in Africa

Introduction

In Africa, HIV/AIDS is the most significant cause of death among adults aged 15-49. The disease has spread rapidly across the continent, with around 25% of adults aged 15-49 living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. There are currently 2 million new HIV infections yearly, and over 50 million people living with HIV worldwide. Children make up over half of all people living with HIV globally, and women account for 56% of new infections among adults worldwide, and 62% of these occur in sub-Saharan Africa.

Africa has been burdened with the heaviest HIV burden in the world

You probably already know that HIV/AIDS is a disease that affects people living in the world today. You may also know that HIV has spread mainly in Africa and other parts of the world. However, you may not know just how much of an impact it has had on African countries.

Africa has been burdened with the heaviest HIV burden in the world. It accounts for about 71% of people living with HIV worldwide and about 70% of all AIDS-related deaths (UNAIDS 2016). In addition, over 90% of children living with HIV or AIDS are from sub-Saharan Africa (WHO 2017).

AIDS first appeared in Africa in the early 1980s and was first reported in southern Africa in 1985

AIDS is a disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is transmitted through sexual contact, blood and blood products, or from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding.

AIDS first appeared in Africa in the early 1980s and was first reported in southern Africa in 1985. In 2001, it was estimated that more than 20 million people were living with HIV/AIDS on the continent.

The disease has spread rapidly across the continent, with an infection rate of 25 per cent among adults aged 15-49

The disease has spread rapidly across the continent, with an infection rate of 25 per cent among adults aged 15-49.

Among those of working age (20-59), HIV prevalence ranges from below 1% in countries such as Mauritius and Seychelles to over 40% in Swaziland and Lesotho. In some countries, such as Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe, there are evident disparities between urban and rural areas. While prevalence rates are generally higher in urban areas (around 20%), they are nearly double that level (40%) in rural areas.

Children make up over half of all people living with HIV globally, and women account for 56% of new infections among adults worldwide, and 62% of these occur in sub-Saharan Africa

Children make up over half of all people living with HIV globally, and women account for 56% of new infections among adults worldwide, and 62% of these occur in sub-Saharan Africa.

Women are more vulnerable to HIV than men because they are more likely to be infected through sex with men and can pass it on to their babies during pregnancy or birth.

HIV-related maternal mortality remains high in many countries, despite access to antiretroviral therapy and other life-saving interventions for mothers and children.

Conclusion

The HIV/Aids epidemic is a global pandemic affecting everyone. Although it is still spreading rapidly in some parts of the world, there are signs that we can turn things around if we act now and invest wisely in programs that work. With proper funding and political will from governments worldwide, we can end this devastating disease once and for all.