In 2007, HIV affected 2.7 million people, including 2.3 million adults and 430,000 children under 15. That same year HIV-related deaths claimed 2 million people.
Particularly hard hit in this international health crisis, are African-American women. Among all women in the
The incidence of HIV-related disease affecting them serves as a potent reminder about how far we must go to effectively manage this disease. Another sobering fact is that the
As we recognize World AIDS Day, the positive news is that in general, Americans with HIV and AIDS are living longer and stronger lives. The disease is no longer a death sentence as it was 25 years when the epidemic began.
Regularly testing those most at risk for HIV — and then providing antiretroviral drugs for HIV/AIDS patients dramatically reduces the number of people who become infected.
What is most frustrating about this health tragedy, however, is that AIDS is generally
preventable through changes in behavior, increased use of safer-sex practices, testing, basic health care and other forms of prevention.
On Dec. 1 each year World AIDS Day reminds us that preventing the spread of HIV is not complicated. As with most preventable crises, education is the key.
Source: Africa commission