Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Number of New HIV cases falling in Some African Nations--and around the world

This article talks about the ways in which new cases of AIDS are falling in some nations such as Botswana, Zambia and South Africa--which are some of the most effected countries in the world. Overall, one of the greatest tools to fend of new cases of AIDS has been the use of antiretroviral drugs to prevent mothers from spreading AIDS during child birth. Interestingly enough, its not that more money has been the fighting force in causing the reduction of AIDS, but rather its the focus on high risk groups such as the gay community, prostitutes and drug abusers. The testing done on these groups help to reduce the spread. In order to effectively fight off the disease, more money is needed because many people cannot get the treatment they need. Worldwide, "The number of people living with H.I.V. rose to a new high of 34 million in 2011, while the number of deaths from AIDS was 1.7 million, down from a peak of 2.3 million in 2005. As more people get life-sustaining antiretroviral treatment, the number of people living with H.I.V. grows". Although more and more people have access, there is still not enough to wipe out this epidemic, but there is definitely hope!
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/21/world/new-hiv-cases-falling-in-some-poor-nations-but-treatment-still-lags.html?ref=africa

1 comment:

  1. So glad there is good news regarding HIV cases in Africa - maybe this can eventually spread to the whole of Africa. After seeing John's presentation this last week on foreign aid and the programs Bono formed, I hope there are better organizations formed soon that easily allow people to give directly to the cause.

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