Disease of Global Concern Characteristics of a person or people, geographical location, and era help to better understand the development and pervasiveness of a disease. Descriptions of persons, places, and time help to effectively describe disease and health status within a population. Using the South University Online Library or the Internet, research about a disease of global concern (HIV, AIDS, or any such disorder). Based on your research, answer the following questions: Purchase the answer to view it
Introduction
Diseases of global concern have been a significant source of morbidity and mortality throughout human history. Understanding the characteristics of these diseases, including the individuals affected, geographical locations, and temporal trends, is essential for effective prevention and control strategies. This paper aims to explore a disease of global concern, specifically HIV/AIDS, and analyze its characteristics in terms of the affected population, geographical distribution, and temporal trends.
Characteristics of the Affected Population
HIV/AIDS primarily affects individuals who engage in high-risk behaviors such as unprotected sexual intercourse, intravenous drug use, and mother-to-child transmission. It is estimated that approximately 38 million people globally are living with HIV, with sub-Saharan Africa bearing the highest burden (World Health Organization, 2019). Within this region, HIV/AIDS disproportionately affects young women and girls, with an estimated 4.1 percent prevalence among females aged 15-24, compared to 1.8 percent among males of the same age group (UNAIDS, 2019).
The higher vulnerability of women in this population can be attributed to various factors, including biological susceptibility, gender-based violence, and limited access to healthcare services. Additionally, men who have sex with men, sex workers, and transgender individuals are also at increased risk of HIV infection due to social stigma, discrimination, and limited access to prevention and treatment services (World Health Organization, 2019).
Geographical Distribution
The global distribution of HIV/AIDS is characterized by significant regional variations. Sub-Saharan Africa remains the most heavily affected region, accounting for approximately two-thirds of new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths globally (UNAIDS, 2019). Within this region, countries such as South Africa, Nigeria, and Uganda have some of the highest prevalence rates, with an estimated 19.0 percent, 1.5 percent, and 5.6 percent respectively (UNAIDS, 2019).
Other regions, such as Eastern Europe and Central Asia, have also experienced a rapid increase in HIV/AIDS cases, primarily driven by injecting drug use and unsafe sexual practices. The Russian Federation, Ukraine, and Belarus are among the countries with the highest HIV prevalence rates in these regions (UNAIDS, 2019). In contrast, regions like Western Europe, North America, and Australia have seen a decline in HIV/AIDS cases due to effective prevention strategies, widespread access to treatment, and harm reduction programs.
Temporal Trends
The HIV/AIDS epidemic has evolved over time, with distinct phases of growth and decline. In the 1980s and early 1990s, the disease spread rapidly, leading to a global health crisis. The lack of effective treatment and limited knowledge about prevention resulted in millions of new infections and deaths. However, with the development of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and increased awareness about prevention, the epidemic has shifted towards a more manageable situation in many parts of the world (World Health Organization, 2019).
Since the peak of the epidemic, there has been a decline in new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths globally. According to UNAIDS (2019), the annual number of new HIV infections has decreased by 23 percent since 2010, and AIDS-related deaths have declined by 33 percent since 2010. This progress can be attributed to several factors, including increased access to HIV testing and counseling, expanded coverage of ART, and targeted prevention interventions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, HIV/AIDS is a disease of global concern that has significant implications for public health. Understanding the characteristics of the affected population, including vulnerable groups and risk behaviors, is vital for targeted prevention and intervention strategies. Furthermore, the geographical distribution of HIV/AIDS highlights the need for region-specific approaches to address the epidemic. Finally, the temporal trends indicate progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS, but continued efforts are necessary to sustain and accelerate this progress globally.