5 Million New HIV/AIDS Victims in 2005
UNAIDS announced today at the AIDS Epidemic Update 2005, that the number of new HIV/AIDS infections has risen by 4.9 million to reach 40.3 million, globally. Africa, especially the southern part of the continent remains the area being hit the worst -- this year however, Eastern Europe saw a spike in infections. Sub-Saharan Africa has 64% of the world's infections. South Africa leads the world with HIV/AIDS infection, topping 5.1 million people -- and India comes in a close second at 5 million infections. The problem is most severe in the developing nations where 90% of the population don't know their HIV status. To make it worse, those that may know, don't necessarily report their infections or seek treatment -- if any is available. Pregnant women in Africa have infection rates above 30% in some countries. Infections are rising in women in monogamous relationships due to husbands being infected by having unprotected sex with sex workers.
Thus far, 3.1 million people have succumbed to the disease this year -- of which 570,000 were children. As HIV/AIDS continues to claim new victims, the global response to contain the disease continues to lag far behind. Infections are outpacing prevention, and one has to wonder when the tipping point will be reached when the entire world will succumb. Granted, on a global scale, anti-retoviral treatment has lowered the death toll -- but that impact has been felt mostly in the developed nations. The developing world continues to be in a crisis. Why isn't the HIV/AIDS epidemic receiving more attention? more money? more action? It isn't just because it's the poor that are mostly dying. The world has shown a great charitable capacity in response to the various natural disasters. Could it be that our attention span is just way too low? Is it because our response to HIV/AIDS doesn't give immediate gratification in response to our charity -- no one is cured; the world isn't saved?
What will it take for the world to acknowledge the problem with a strategic response instead of just barely paying courtesy to it?
Thus far, 3.1 million people have succumbed to the disease this year -- of which 570,000 were children. As HIV/AIDS continues to claim new victims, the global response to contain the disease continues to lag far behind. Infections are outpacing prevention, and one has to wonder when the tipping point will be reached when the entire world will succumb. Granted, on a global scale, anti-retoviral treatment has lowered the death toll -- but that impact has been felt mostly in the developed nations. The developing world continues to be in a crisis. Why isn't the HIV/AIDS epidemic receiving more attention? more money? more action? It isn't just because it's the poor that are mostly dying. The world has shown a great charitable capacity in response to the various natural disasters. Could it be that our attention span is just way too low? Is it because our response to HIV/AIDS doesn't give immediate gratification in response to our charity -- no one is cured; the world isn't saved?
What will it take for the world to acknowledge the problem with a strategic response instead of just barely paying courtesy to it?
Source: UNAIDS/WHO Report: AIDS Epidemic Update: December 2005.
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