There has been significant progress in addressing the spread of HIV/AIDS worldwide. According to UNICEF,
'Since 2010, 1.4 million new infections in children under five have been averted'
However, progress has been uneven around the world and the HIV epidemic continues to disproportionately affect children. HIV/AIDS is surrounded by murky layers of prejudice and misunderstanding, so it's important to teach about this issue in order to create a safer, fairer and healthier world.Background
HIV/AIDS is much more than a health issue. It has become a major development problem. By spreading fast, and mostly among young people and working-age adults, it cripples a country’s economy, society and family structure. According to a World Bank study, when eight percent or more of a population becomes infected with HIV, the growth of the economy slows down. This is because the labour force is reduced, which puts pressure on the country’s already overwhelmed government, as well as its economic and health care systems.- Over 36 million people worldwide are living with HIV/AIDS.
- Seventy percent of these—over 25 million—are in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- More than 17 million children have lost one or both parents to AIDS. These children are less likely to attend school, receive good nourishment or proper healthcare.
- In 2014, roughly 2 million people became newly infected with HIV, and there were 1.2 million deaths from AIDS-related illnesses.
- Since the beginning of the epidemic, about 34 million people have died from AIDS-related causes.
- However, the annual number of new HIV infections has steadily declined in recent years, and, due to far more people receiving antiretroviral therapy, the number of AIDS-related deaths has also declined.(The above figures are from the AVERT website, quoting UNAIDS research from 2014 )