Resolving the Problem of AIDS in Africa will Need the United Effort of All

AIDS in Africa is worst compared to the rest of the world. Around 24 million people are battling the HIV as reflected by a 2007 statistics. In that year alone, 1.5 million people died because of the AIDS pandemic. Around 11 million children in Africa are living as orphans.

The statistics of AIDS in Africa gives us a very clear picture. It is an overwhelming crisis that Africa and its people try to survive.

AIDS and Africa

The effect of AIDS in the whole continent is widespread and impacts many facets of the society. Here are some of them:

•    Aside from millions of people dying, the decades of efforts of different countries to extend life expectancy in their population is being erased by the epidemic.

•    A lot of those who die from AIDS or affected by it are the income earners of their families.

•    Health agencies are having a hard time to cope with the demands of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

•    The economy is being set back since most of the affected people are between 15 and 49 who are in their prime age to work.

•    Schools are affected by AIDS thus having an impact on the education program which is thought to be the best tool to fight the dreadful disease.

A lot of things are being done to combat AIDS in Africa. Different governments and private organizations try to educate the people on the proper methods in avoiding AIDS.

Proponents of such movements are heavily promoting the use of condoms as a great tool to prevent AIDS. It is also proven to be cost effective considering the culture and economy of African countries

Those afflicted by AIDS are also encouraged to seek counseling. Experts believe that the more knowledge they have, the lesser are the chances that they will transmit the virus to other people.

Mother to infant transmission is also being addressed today since millions of babies acquire the virus during pregnancy or through breastfeeding. Antiretroviral drugs are key to win this battle but lack of information, services, and drugs, still overpower most of the suggested solutions.

AIDS in Africa will take decades of united effort and planning.  The focus of the war will be to prevent new infections of HIV. Successful campaigns against AIDS must therefore be given attention and funding. GP