About World AIDS Day, WHO says
"World AIDS Day on 1 December draws together people from around the world to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and demonstrate international solidarity in the face of the pandemic. The Day is one of the most visible opportunities for public and private partners to spread awareness about the status of the pandemic and encourage progress in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care in high prevalence countries and around the world.
There are now 33.2 million people living with HIV, according to 2007 figures released by WHO. An estimated 2.5 million were newly infected with the virus and 2.1 million died of AIDS the same year. Eight countries in sub-Saharan Africa now account for almost one-third of all new infections and AIDS deaths globally."
Dr. Luis Sambo, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, spoke today about AIDS in Africa and the treatment of the epidemic:
"This global theme is of particular importance to sub-Saharan Africa, the Region hardest hit
by the HIV/AIDS epidemic, accounting for more than two-thirds (67%) of all new HIV
infections worldwide and for three-quarters (75%) of all AIDS cases in 2007. We also note with
deep concern that an estimated 1.9 million new HIV infections occurred in sub-Saharan Africa in
2007."
He noted that access to antiretroviral therapy is increasing in sub-Saharan Africa, and he also said that prevention and treatment need to be increased, HIV counseling as well as couple counseling should be emphasized, as well as safe sex practices.
There is obviously a huge need for help for treating and preventing AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa, but despite the statistics and figures against him, Dr. Sambo and WHO seems to reflect a positive message of hope about the state of AIDS in Africa.
2 comments:
Prevention and education are definitely needed to stop HIV/AIDS from spreading even more. I can't believe how high some of the percentages are of adults infected with HIV. What a great topic to write about.
Wonderful job.
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