AIDS: An African Epidemic

AIDS: An African Epidemic

Every year in Africa, millions of adults and children are infected with AIDS. This disease is the number one killer in Africa, even outweighing malaria. AIDS has infected over 39 million Africans in total. Additionally, despite the fact that it holds only 10 percent of the population, 90 percent of the world’s AIDS orphans are on this continent. Obviously, this disease threatens the African life expectancy, dropping it from 66 to 33 years of age. It cuts off workers in their prime, thus affecting many of Africa’s businesses and making Sub-Saharan Africa’s GDP suffer. Unfortunately, if the African market suffers then so does the American market. In addition to spreading awareness about the issue, this paper addresses ways to prevent the epidemic from worsening. One simple way to discourage spreading the disease is by distributing condoms. Regrettably, not nearly enough condoms are available in Africa, especially Sub-Saharan Africa, to make a meaningful impact in reducing the number of AIDS cases. The “cocktail” for HIV treatment is more expensive than condom distribution and the African government needs all the help it can get in funding the distribution of this drug concoction. Access is a key issue in treating those who are infected with HIV. To help raise money in the fight against HIV, the African government turns to other governments to pick up the slack. The US, with all its money and power—and its citizens—must work to help make a difference in the lives of people throughout the world.