Good What Is The State Of Global HIV/AIDS Literature Review Example

Epidemic in 2014-5015

What is the State of Global HIV/AIDS Epidemic in 2014-2015
Introduction
The HIV/AIDS outbreak in 1981 caused fear and anxiety internationally as the prevalence of the disease was reported by various health organizations especially in the United States. The Human Immunodeficiency Virus or HIV aims at the body’s immune system and weakening the defence against infections and other diseases. Despite intense measure being taken by diverse organisations such as the World Health Organisation to lessen or eradicate this disease, it still prevalent today being one among the main cause of death in the United States. It is however, a relief to know that several research are conducted to finally combat the deadly virus.

Key Facts

Notwithstanding the diverse programs conducted to raise consciousness about the dreaded disease, it remains to be a major public health issue (Media, 2014). In 2013, there are about 35 million individuals living with HIV at the end of the year and an approximately 2.1 million who are becoming newly infected (Media, 2014). A more alarming fact is that of the 35 million people infected with HIV (GAP Report), only 45% of them knew of their health status “underscoring the need to increase HIV knowledge and expand testing” (GAP Report, 2014).

Major Barriers

Various organisations have been spending time and effort to eradicate the AIS/HIV epidemic. There are, however, several barriers that prevent faster implementation of programs such as lesser access to preventive measures. For instance, in the sub-Saharan Africa, only eight male condoms were accessible per year to each sexually active person, and an even lower availability to younger individuals (GAP Report, 2014). There is also the inaccessibility of antiretroviral therapy to people living with HIV: in South Africa alone, 58% of reported cases of HIV infections were not given treatment (GAP Report, 2014). Another barrier that impedes the success of anti-HIV programs are limited funding available to civil society organisations. A survey revealed that 59% of these organizations reported a decrease in funding while 24% of them had no increase in funds (GAP Report, 2014)

Prevention

The risks of being infected with the HIV can be lessened through intense public awareness campaigns. People can limit their exposure to the virus by observing precautionary measures such as: a) the use of male and female condom during sexual intercourse can protect against the transmission of STDs (AIDS, 2014), b) testing and counselling for HIV and STIs is vital in order for people to be informed of their health condition, c) the suppression of HIV symptoms by being treated early with ART and other HIV infection controls (Media, 2014).

Treatment

Despite the saddening facts on the prevalence of HIV, it is a relief that there are preventive measures being advocated by civic organisations and health workers. One such measure is on the Global Plan that aims to eliminate the occurrence of new infections especially in young children and make the infected mother survive the infection (GAP Report, 2014). The program was initiated in 2011 with the countries in sub-Saharan Africa being the priority of the program. The awareness program was also made in the region to inform men of their need to be conscious of the prevention and treatment of the disease (GAP Report, 2014).

Conclusion

The upsetting prevalence of HIV infection leaves the global population anxious on how best to eliminate the virus. The World Health Organization and other health institutions are one in aiming at eradicating the virus with their various programs. The program was focused not only in treating people with the disease, but also of preventing the occurrence of new infections.

References

AIDS Info. HIV Prevention. Retrieved from aidsinfo.nih.gov
Media Centre. HIV/AIDS. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs360/en/#
The Gap Report. UNAIDS. Retrieved from unaids.org