What is AIDS?• AIDS (also known as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome)

is the advanced stage of the HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) in which the immune system is weakened. The individual is more supsceptible to many infections and other serious conditions, such as cancer.

• There is NO cure for AIDS, only prevention from HIV.

• While there is no cure, treatment is possible to improve the quality of life. Antiretroviral drugs can be given to prolong the time between HIV infection and the onset of AIDS.

• More than 25 million people have died from AIDS

• In 2008 alone, over 2/3 of the deaths caused by AIDS were in Sub-Saharan Africa

A Fact About HIV and AIDS in Africa

• Based on current evidence, scientists find it very likely Africa is the first place HIV transferred to humans but it is unknown how the virus traveled from Africa to America.

Impact of AIDS on Africa

• The average life expectancy has been reduced by about 20 years.

• The most at-risk population are young adults in their productive years!

• This has caused a major slow-down in economic growth.

• The AIDS epidemic has orphaned nearly 12 million children in Sub-Saharan Africa.

One Cause of AIDS in Africa

• In many countries, women have a lower status than men and are unable to negotiate condom use or to demand fidelity from their husbands. Also, condoms are often inaccessible or unaffordable, especially in rural areas, and unprotected sex is necessary for couples who wish to have children. Another problem is that most Africans have never been tested for HIV and so don't know whether or not they are infected.

What is being done to help?

• There are many organizations that help raise money that is used for treatment expenses and prevention campaigns.

• PEPFAR is the President’s Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief. It is a plan enacted by the US government.

Sources

"AIDS." Avert. 29 Apr 2010. Web. 26 May 2010. <http://www.avert.org/aids.htm>.

"Sub-Saharan Africa." UNAIDS. Web. 26 May 2010. <http://www.unaids.org/en/CountryResponses/Regions/SubSaharanAfrica>.

"The Cause of AIDS." Rebirth Africa, 2000. Web. 26 May 2010.

<http://www.rebirth.co.za/hiv_does_not_cause_aids.htm>.