Scaling up evidence based health care and HIV/Aids interventions in Africa

According to UNAIDS 2006 report, Sub-Saharan Africa continues to bear the brunt of the global epidemic.

The UNAIDS report on the global status of the epidemic clearly states that Sub-saharan Africa is still the most affected region of the planet by HIV/Aids. Hence, they estimate that two thirds (63%) of all adults and children with HIV globally live in sub-Saharan Africa, with its epicentre in southern Africa. One third (32%) of all people with HIV globally live in southern Africa and 34% of all deaths due to AIDS in 2006 occurred there. Declines in national HIV prevalence are being observed in some sub-Saharan African countries, but such trends are currently neither strong nor widespread enough to diminish the epidemics overall impact in this region. Almost three quarters (72%) of all adult and child deaths due to AIDS in 2006 occurred in sub-Saharan Africa: SSA is home for about 24.7 millions of adults and children infected by HIV/Aids. this represent more then half of the total of people infected globally.

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Who Annual Report 2006

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UNAIDS 2006 Annual Report

At the midway point between their adoption in 2000 and the 2015 target date for achieving the Millennium Development Goals, sub-Saharan Africa is not on track to achieve any of the Goals. Although there have been major gains in several areas and the Goals remain achievable in most African nations, even the best governed countries on the continent have not been able to make sufficient progress in reducing extreme poverty in its many forms.

The number of sexual partners is not higher in Africa then in developed countries as it has been felt so far. There is not a direct relationship between the level of sexual activity and the HIV prevalence in a given zone or region. Studies have shown enormous differences on the infection rate between women according to the fact that they have had a C section of or any pregnancy interruption in medical centres or at home. Other studies have also revealed that some children from negative mothers are found positive. The spread of HIV/Aids have been more important in Africa where the health facilities are established like Zimbabwe, south Africa and Botswana compared to other countries. Additionally prevalence is higher in urban settings where access to services is higher.

HIV/Aids hits the human task force of African nations especially those detaining the knowledge. Although all economists to not have the same view on the long term consequences of the epidemic, most of them agree that in the absence of a massive access to treatment, HIV will compromise the development of the countries affected.