Where do I begin with such a broad topic...
There is so much information on the internet surrounding the epidemic of HIV and AIDS. It is a disease that many people find fearful and at this time there is still no cure. Many people have considered being HIV positive a death sentence, however in the last ten years people have been able live with HIV so long as they keep to a strict regimen of prescribed antiretroviral drugs. However, the problem is that these drugs are very expensive and are not readily available to everyone who needs them. For example, sub-Saharan Africa is considered one of the most devastated parts of Africa with the disease. Many tools for prevention and treatment are not available and as result the disease is continuing the affect the lives of millions.
With 1 in 5 adults in sub-Saharan Africa the effects of the disease can be felt in many aspects of life including the economy, education, poverty levels, and discrimination. These same issues are also felt in other countries like Eastern Europe and Central Asia where the number of people who are infected with HIV has grown 250% between the 2001 - 2010. These numbers show that efforts for prevention and treatment are not helping "poor" countries. The disease leaves many children without parents creating terrible poverty. Sick workers contribute to a poor economy. Being labeled as "HIV Positive" could prevent an individual from being able to gain employment to care for their families and be shunned socially for out of fear of passing on the disease. All of these factors contribute to these countries being "stuck" in a state of depression.
http://www.avert.org/aids-hiv-epidemic.htm
I lost two uncles in the 1990s, both HIV positive. It was hard for everyone in the family. People with this disease have a lot more resources and help today, also medication is given and people who are HIV positive can live a semi-normal life. Your article is very helpful and knowledgeable for those who don’t really know much about HIV/Aids.
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