HIV/AIDS in Africa

HIV/AIDS in Africa (pronunciation: /ˌeɪtʃaɪˈviː/ /ˈeɪdz/ in /ˈæfrɪkə/) refers to the impact of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) on the continent of Africa.

Etymology

The term "HIV" is an acronym for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which refers to the virus that causes AIDS. "AIDS" stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, a condition that results from advanced stages of HIV infection. The term "in Africa" is used to denote the geographical context of the disease's impact.

Definition

HIV is a retrovirus that attacks the immune system, leading to a progressive deterioration of the immune response. This can eventually result in AIDS, a condition characterized by the development of severe opportunistic infections and cancers. In Africa, the HIV/AIDS epidemic has had a significant impact, with millions of people living with the disease and many deaths attributed to it.

Related Terms

Antiretroviral Therapy: A treatment for HIV infection that uses a combination of drugs to suppress the virus and stop the progression of the disease.
Opportunistic Infection: An infection that occurs more frequently or is more severe in people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV.
Pandemic: An epidemic that has spread over several countries or continents, usually affecting a large number of people.

Impact in Africa

Africa is the most affected region in the global HIV/AIDS epidemic, with sub-Saharan Africa alone accounting for an estimated 69% of all people living with HIV and 73% of all AIDS deaths in 2011. The impact of HIV/AIDS in Africa is multifaceted, affecting not only health but also social and economic development.

Prevention and Treatment

Efforts to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS in Africa include antiretroviral therapy, condom use, male circumcision, and HIV testing and counselling. Despite these efforts, many challenges remain, including limited access to treatment, stigma and discrimination, and gender inequalities.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on HIV/AIDS in Africa
Wikipedia's article - HIV/AIDS in Africa

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HIV/AIDS in Africa