Today, some forty million people live with HIV. HIV, also known as human immunodeficiency virus, is a virus that weakens the body’s immune system, making it harder for one to fight off infection. Research suggests that HIV originated sometime between the late 19th century and early 20th century in West or Central Africa. It first appeared in chimpanzees and eventually jumped to humans who hunted and consumed the chimpanzees. HIV has since spread from Africa to the rest of the world. 

 

AIDS is the late stage of HIV infection and occurs when treatment has not been administered early enough and the virus has damaged the immune system beyond repair. HIV and AIDS are statistically more prevalent in developing countries due to less access to health education, HIV prevention, and unequal treatment, and is thus known as a “disease of poverty.”

 

Social misconceptions rooted in homophobia regarding the virus have also contributed to the challenge of preventing HIV’s further spread. Economically speaking, HIV/AIDS reduces economic growth by reducing labor productivity and available human capital.  Despite these challenges, there have been various notable medical advancements. In terms of testing, PCR, SUDS, and newer OraQuick tests help detect infections. Pharmaceutical companies are continuing to develop new more accessible ways to screen for the virus. Over the past decade, HIV infection rates and AIDS death rates have decreased drastically due to increased education and new treatment methodologies, although they remain high in many socioeconomically disadvantaged regions of the world. In what ways can countries continue to decrease infection and death rates and make treatment more accessible to all communities?