Why We Should Care: A Global Epidemic
December 1, 2000
The year 1999 saw a higher total of deaths from HIV/AIDS than any year since the beginning of the epidemic, despite new treatments which are reducing deaths in developed countries. Of the people now infected with HIV, 95% live in the developing world.
AIDS and the YoungAIDS is particularly threatening to children and young adults around the world.
Factors that Fuel the EpidemicA major issue preventing adequate HIV prevention is the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS in many cultures. Stigma often leads to a deadly form of denial that paralyzes prevention efforts.
In addition, cultural practices involving multiple sex partners, risk taking, male sexual domination, inequality of women, lack of condom use and availability, violence, and injection drug use have a major impact on the spread of HIV. Societal factors, including poverty, lack of education, isolation, rapid urbanization, civil unrest, migration and inadequate health services also fuel the epidemic.
34.3 Million Adults and Children are Estimated to be Living with HIV/AIDS in 1999
This article was provided by American Association for World Health. It is a part of the publication AIDS: All Men -- Make a Difference!.