Cycle and Prevention of AIDS in Africa

Individuals in Sub Saharan Africa are dying by the masses due to HIV. Close to 12 million children in Sub Saharan Africa are being orphaned each year due to AIDS. (UNAIDS and WHO Aids Epidemic Update, Geneva, 2007) To successfully combat AIDS in Africa, we must understand the cycle of the epidemic, and the many layers of problems AIDS causes for Africa. Once we understand this vicious cycle and the depth of the problem, it becomes evident that the children and people of Africa desperately need continued support and funding from the US.

Impact of AIDS

The area south of the Sahara desert, known as Sub-Saharan Africa, is the worst affected area in the world by AIDS. An estimated 1.7 million adults and children became infected with HIV during 2007. (UNAIDS and WHO, 2007). The chart below illustrates the devastation that AIDS has caused.

AIDS Statistics For Sub-Saharan Africa

People living w/ HIV AIDS: 22,500,000

Children with HIV/AIDS: 2,200,000

Adult HIV prevalence (%): 5%

New HIV infections: 1,700,000

AIDS deaths: 1,600,000

Causes of AIDS

The cycle of AIDS in Africa is created by numerous factors. The factors most commonly referenced are drug users, promiscuity and unsafe sex. Yet, this leaves out other important causes. Blanche Pitt, director of the South Africa office of the African Medical and Research Foundation, states it best, ''It is poverty. [It is] desperation.'' (Kristof, 2003, p. 1). Furthermore, Combined with mass poverty, lack of resources, education, and the cycle circulates amongst the Sub Saharan region and its people.

Strain on the Family.

The voices of those affected by the cycle are real orphans, fathers, and mothers, who struggle to live the reality caused by AIDS. These individuals are reminders for those more fortunate by bringing forth the every-day difficulties in their lives. Kevina Lubowa; a 14 year old orphan in...