The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a global crisis and a leading development obstacle for many nations. There is no known cure for HIV and the cost and availability of antiretroviral therapy (ART) make treatment very expensive. The disease has affected millions of individuals and devastated several national economies and societies. Education has become an important component in efforts to stem the spread of this disease. This entry provides an overview of the epidemic and examines educational initiatives and their impact.

The Epidemic

HIV was first identified in 1981, but epidemiologists have tracked blood samples containing the HIV back to the 1950s. Several scholars designate the Great Lakes region of East Africa as the HIV epicenter, though others have argued ...

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