Working Together for an AIDS-Free Generation

In 2009, an estimated 2.6 million people were infected with HIV, of which an estimated 69 percent occurred in Sub-Saharan Africa. Women account for 61 percent of those living with HIV and young women are three times more likely to be HIV positive than young men. The children of Africa represent 92 percent of the estimated 2.5 million children under the age of 15 living with HIV globally. An estimated 14.8 million children under age 18 have lost one or both parents to AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa.  Treatment coverage in Sub-Saharan Africa is far from the 80% universal access goal. Given that new infections outpace those starting treatment — for every one person accessing treatment, two new people are newly infected – prevention remains central to an effective AIDS response, particularly among groups at most risk (e.g. men who have sex with men, sex workers). These facts show that Africa is adversely affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. 

 

African Views Health Dialogue joins the international community to celebrate this year’s World AIDS day especially to highlight gaps in the fight against the pandemic in Africa and how to fill these gaps. 

In view of this, we shall clearly seek answers to these questions:

What is the status of the fight against the scourge of HIV and AIDS globally, and especially in Africa?

What factors have been responsible for any successes and failures in the fight against the disease on the continent?

Are African governments doing enough to tackle this challenge? 

What gaps exist in the fight against this scourge, and what ecific steps can be taken to win the battle against HIV and AIDS in Africa?