Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

AIDS is an acronym that stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. This disease is caused by the infection of a retrovirus known as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)—a virus that attacks and weakens the human immune system. Over time, opportunistic infections and diseases that can lead to severe illness or death may affect a weakened immune system. While there is no cure for HIV/AIDS, there are treatments to help manage or suppress symptoms. The best “cure” is considered to be awareness and prevention through safe sex, abstinence, and use of sterile needles.

Approximately 8,000 people die each day of AIDS-related diseases, according to World Health Organization (WHO) statistics. It is estimated that more than 25 million people have died of AIDS since it was first recognized on June 5, 1981, and that by 2007, over 65 million people have been infected with HIV. Therefore, it is not surprising that HIV/AIDS is considered to be one of the worst pandemics to affect humankind, despite global efforts for control, treatment, and prevention. This epidemic stands in the way of many countries' Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) set forth in 2002 by the United Nations (UN). In fact, one of the proposed MDGs is to halt and reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS (along with other diseases) by 2015. However, the impact of this disease is far-reaching and will continue to have detrimental social, political, economical, and environmental repercussions for decades to come.

The tragic loss of human life and the hindrance placed on societies have been devastating, but the real long-term effects are not easily predictable due to the complex nature of the disease. Infected people debilitated by the disease face incredible physical and emotional adversity. Developing nations have experienced the heaviest HIV/AIDS burden, in addition to contending with the ill effects of extreme poverty and inequalities. The social, historical, and economic roots of problems within the developing world are inextricably linked to an increased susceptibility of this disease. Sub-Saharan Africa, [Page 5]one of the poorest regions in the world, has been the hardest hit by the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and is home to more than 64 percent of all people living with HIV (approximately 24.5 million). South and southeast Asia follow as the next most affected regions, with over seven million people infected with HIV. North America, in comparison, has relatively low numbers with around one million infected, an HIV prevalence rate of 0.3 percent.

Young adults are the most susceptible group to be infected, leaving the elderly and child populations more vulnerable. Globally, AIDS has created nearly 13.2 million orphans, causing a breakdown in traditional family structures. Often, this leads to a displacement of children onto the streets, where they may prostitute themselves or engage in illegal activities for survival. Poor infrastructure, lack of resources and services, little political interest, stigma, denial, and discrimination are the challenges in providing effective HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment to local populations. Controversial pharmaceutical companies that refuse to make drugs more affordable to the poor, yet conduct questionable drug testing trials on the very same populations, further aggravate these frustrations.

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