Write a paragraph summary about the history and epidemiology of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. include the origin, spread, introduction into the United States and its current state in our society. * At least 1 citation needed * Use APA format for all citations * Minimum of 250 words, not including citation NOTE * I need two different papers on the same topic*
Title: History and Epidemiology of the HIV/AIDS Epidemic
Introduction:
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has caused one of the most devastating pandemics of the 20th century. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), the final stage of HIV infection, weakens the immune system, making individuals vulnerable to opportunistic infections and certain cancers. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the history and epidemiology of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, including its origin, global spread, introduction into the United States, and its current state in society.
Origin and Spread:
The origins of HIV can be traced to sub-Saharan Africa, with the earliest known case dates back to the late 1950s. It is believed that HIV crossed species from chimpanzees to humans through the hunting and consumption of bushmeat, a source of food in Central Africa. The viral strains that affect humans are HIV-1 and HIV-2, with HIV-1 being the most common and virulent. HIV spread initially within Africa, but by the 1980s, cases were reported in various parts of the world.
Introduction into the United States:
HIV was first identified in the United States in 1981, primarily affecting young gay men in New York City and San Francisco. The disease initially puzzled researchers due to its unusual manifestations, including opportunistic infections and rare cancers. As more cases were reported, it became evident that a new and deadly virus was responsible for this emerging epidemic.
Current State in Society:
Since the early years of the epidemic, HIV/AIDS has become a global concern, affecting millions of people worldwide. According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), an estimated 38 million people were living with HIV/AIDS at the end of 2019. Sub-Saharan Africa remains the most heavily affected region, accounting for roughly two-thirds of all cases globally.
Although significant progress has been made in HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and treatment, the disease continues to have profound social, economic, and public health implications. In the United States, the demographic profile of those affected by HIV/AIDS has evolved over time. While the disease initially disproportionately affected gay and bisexual men, it soon began to impact different populations, such as injecting drug users, heterosexuals, and women.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of 2018, there were approximately 1.2 million people living with HIV in the U.S. Men who have sex with men (MSM) remain the most affected group, accounting for approximately 67% of new HIV diagnoses. African Americans and Hispanics/Latinos are disproportionately affected by HIV, with HIV diagnosis rates being higher among these racial/ethnic groups compared to their white counterparts.
Efforts to prevent HIV transmission in the United States have been focused on various strategies. These include promoting safe sex practices, increasing HIV testing and counseling, offering pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to individuals at high risk, and supporting initiatives such as needle exchange programs for injecting drug users. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has revolutionized HIV treatment, suppressing the virus and enabling people living with HIV to lead longer and healthier lives.
Conclusion:
The history and epidemiology of the HIV/AIDS epidemic illustrate the complex nature of the disease and its impact on global health. While progress has been made in preventing new infections and improving treatment outcomes, challenges, such as stigma, access to healthcare, and reaching marginalized populations, remain. Continued efforts are required to address the social determinants of HIV/AIDS and develop innovative interventions and strategies for a world free of HIV/AIDS.
Citation:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). HIV basics. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/index.html