HIV/AIDS IN AFRICA AND ITS IMPACT ON GLOBAL HEALTH: BASIC REVIEW
Author:
Paul Owusu Boateng, Richard Owusu Nyarko, Edward A. Boateng, James Yamoah*, Francis Asante, Kofi Kumah Abram Kwakye, Robert Ofori Amoah, Josephine Sackey, Ken Ameovi Gbeve, Frank Delasi Amenorpe, Quist Yaw Kwadje, Rosemond Owusu Nyarko
Published Date:
2024-07-01
Keywords:
High prevalence rate, HIV/AIDS, poverty, heterosexual transmission, community based interventions, affordable barrier methods, opportunistic infections.
Abstract:
Introduction
Africa has the greatest problem of HIV/AIDS in the world, which accounts new major infections and deaths related to AIDS. The burden has caused socio-economic and health consequences, affecting individuals, families, communities, and countries. High prevalence and impact of HIV/AIDS is related to factors like poverty, gender inequality, and limited access to health care and social stigma. The negative effect of HIV/AIDS in Africa extends beyond the continent itself and has greater effect on global health. The continent’s high HIV level adds significant global burden of the disease. The problems facing Africa, includes less resources, bad healthcare systems, and barriers in culture, shows the need for continuous investment and support from the international bodies to effectively address the epidemic.
Methods/Approach
The researchers gathered secondary data and reports on HIV/AIDS pandemics and epidemics in sub Saharan Africa. A thorough review were made comparing and contrasting findings and conclusions on the various reports from the archives of UNAIDS, W.H.O from 1980 to 2000 in relation to 2023 reports. In all the researchers worked across 120 reports and constructively criticized and accepted findings and conclusions that were similar in about 99% of all works.
Findings
The majority of reported AIDS cases in sub-Saharan Africa, approximately 91%, are believed to have been acquired through heterosexual transmission. Additionally, HIV transmission through blood transfusions and from mother to child during childbirth (perinatal transmission) has also played a significant role in the spread of the virus across the continent. Among AIDS patients in sub-Saharan Africa, tuberculosis (TB) is the most commonly observed opportunistic infection. Secondly, Africa has been a testing ground for innovative approaches to Human Immune Virus prevention, management, treatment, and care. The African continent has been a leader of bringing many interventions, such as antiretroviral treatment programs, mother-to-child transmission prevention initiatives, and community-based interventions. The skills gotten from these processes in Africa have informed global health policies, helping HIV/AIDS in the world. Furthermore, the effect of HIV/AIDS on major people in Africa, like females, adolescents, and communities, bring the need for major interventions. Addressing the specific challenges faced by these people is important for helping the spread in Africa and the globe, and also growing health equality, equity and the right of human.