THE HIV/AIDS EPIDEMIC A quick look at the global killer Carla Mollica June 2013 – MGD 120

Fast Facts on HIV/AIDS World Health Organization / HIV is the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which infects cell of the immune system. The virus is transmitted fluid to fluid, and blood to blood. For example, it can be passed through unprotected sexual intercourse, contaminated blood transfusions, or between a mother and her baby million people are currently living with HIV. One million of those people can be found in the United States. Sub-Saharan Africa is the most effected region by HIV. It make up 69% of the overall world’s population of those affected with HIV. Though there is no cure for HIV, access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) stops the reproduction of HIV-infected cells in the body and protects the immune system so that it can strengthen itself.

Fast Facts on HIV/AIDS (continued) AIDS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, is the most advanced stage of the HIV virus. Prevention methods include practicing safe sex, getting tested for STD/Is, avoiding sharing needles, and having any blood products that one might need tested. HIV is the world’s leading infectious killer, which has claimed more than 25 million lives in the past 30 years. Organizations such as UNAIDS, the World Health Organization (WHO), and UNICEF have made policies committed to the action of stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS and taking action to properly inform and treat people. December 1 is celebrated as World AIDS Day around the globe. The first one was in 1988, and it was the first global health day. World Health Organization / World AIDS day.org

The UN’s Millennium Development Goal #6 In 2002, the United Nations created the Millennium Project, a global plan of action to combat an array of social justice issues. The Millennium Development Goals have since been honed to 8 initiatives. Among them, goal #6, is the commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS. 6.A Have halted by 2015 and begun to reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS. 6.B Achieve, by 2010, universal access to treatment for HIV/AIDS for all those who need it. 6.C Have halted by 2015 and begun to reverse the incidence of malaria and other diseases. United Nations Millennium Development Goals

HIV in Uganda and the USA in 2010 & 2011 Population Uganda million in 2011 (World Bank) Population USA million (United States Census Bureau) World Health Organization / United States Census Bureau Uganda, AfricaUnited States of America

amfAR / World Health Organization Africa & HIV in the Worldwide Battle These are the latest stats for HIV prevalence in adults (age 15-49) throughout the world in Though global prevalence is indicated as 0.8% worldwide, Africa’s prevalence is a disproportionately shocking at 4.6%. Africa is disproportionately affected by the HIV/AIDs epidemic in that 69% of all people living with HIV are concentrated in the Sub-Saharan area. In 2011, there were 1.8 million cases of newly-infected people in Sub- Saharan Africa. Conversely, prevalence in the Western Pacific is less then 0.1%.

C o n t i n u i n g t h e b a t t l e… In 2013, HIV/AIDs is the world’s largest infectious killer despite research, therapies, and all efforts made by governments, NGOs, and policies. To continue to fight, the world will need… Increased, appropriate sexual education all over the world, so that young people understand the risks, and the actions to take preventative caution. Widespread availability of contraceptives, particularly focused in Africa. Clinics specialized for HIV/AIDs patients that offer medical visits, access to ART medicine, support groups. People speaking out!

The MDG #6 Infographic UN Millennium Goals / World Health Organization Check out the World Health Organization’s video about HIV/AIDS awareness here.here.  The UN has created an infographic for every MDG in order to spread the word and raise awareness via social media. Check out #6’s infographic!

References AIDS.gov (2013). Retrieved 6/18/13, from amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research (2013). Statistics Worldwide. Retrieved 7/2/13, from UN Millennium Development Goals (2013). Retrieved 6/18/13, from UN Millennium Development Goals (2013). Goal 6. Retrieved 6/18/13, from UNAIDS (2013). AIDSinfo. Retrieved 6/18/13, from UNAIDS (2013). United States of America. Retrieved 6/18/13, from United States Census Bureau (2013). Retrieved 6/18/13, from World Bank (2013). Retrieved 6/18/13, from World Health Organization (2013). 10 Facts on HIV. Retrieved 6/18/13, from