The epidemic of HIV (human immune deficiency virus) which causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is one the leading global problems the human race has encountered in the battle for our survival. The distinction of HIV/AIDS to be communicable and at the same time incurable, make this disease a worldwide threat. This incurable disease is now rated as one of the top contenders as a large scale disease in a worldwide epidemic. One of the most vulnerable human characteristic to this disease is the fact that it can be transmitted sexually between to partners. This presents a major problem do to the fact that our initial reproduction can transmit the HIV virus.
The rate at which the disease spreads is high enough to rule out any possible means of containing the virus which is in turn is beginning to threatening our survival. The HIV/AIDS disease has one known trait, over time it proves fatal even with advanced treatments. Some cases of HIV are caught early and can be treated to avoid the onset of AIDS, but the inevitable truth reveals that over time the disease eventually takes over the human immune system. As of right now there are no known cures or vaccinations. Much like cancer HIV/AIDS is not without a valid threat to humans.
HIV/AIDS is easily spread from sexual intercourse, blood transfusions, and infected intravenous needles. The disease can also be spread from mother to fetus from prenatal transmission and rarely through breast milk. These factors threaten our survival because they are part of our survival. Unlike the dismantling of the cancer cell, which can often be caused by long term chemical exposures and considered non transferable from human contact, HIV presents a more disturbing problem.
The cold hearted reality of this epidemic is there is currently no way to stop the outbreak or even cure the infected. Mooney, Knox, Schacht, and the East Carolina University validate statistics stating, “HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death among adult's ages 15-59 years worldwide. HIV/AIDS has killed more than 20 million people, and in 2004 nearly 40 million people worldwide were living with HIV infection.” {Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS 2004; World Health Organization2004} (Page 39). Mooney Knox, Schacht, and the East Carolina University also continue by stating, “In 2003 Africa was home to two thirds of the world's people living with HIV/AIDS” (Page 39).
The conflict of HIV/AIDS is clear, but we cannot just stigmatize the growing population now infected with the virus. The main goal or objective in beating the disease depends on human understanding, research, technology, and funding. Joining forces around the world is the only means of insuring the unity to one day defeat this outbreak. Many people have contributed to worldwide organizations to raise money for the funding and research to fight HIV/AIDS. The well known singer from the band U2, known as Bono, has been one of the major contributors to fighting the epidemic. He currently travels world wide raising money to fund programs and research that may one day defeat disease. As a famous musician, Bono's efforts fund much of the awareness to the disease and help fight against the epidemic.
Much like the struggle to defeat cancer the struggle to defeat HIV/AIDS has become a high priority in the world. The current problem we all face is a divided obligation being we are all undivided in the risk of exposure. Still because of current social dilemmas, lack of education funding and research, and unavailable and expensive medications this battle is far from conclusion. These problems can often be linked to other problems in society that affect everyone. Pete Stark states his view by analysis of insurance companies and health providers, “To maximize profits and shareholder confidence, insurance companies, health care providers, and drug companies, have manipulated the system beyond comprehension” (02/06/2006). Another profit margin based problem in the worldwide health care struggle is TRIPS, (Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights). Mooney, Knox, Schacht, and the East Carolina University state, “Trips limits the availability of generic drugs, thus contributing to higher drug cost.” Obviously this problem will directly affect the poor and those with no current health care benefits. Lack of funding and education are on the side of the HIV/AIDS virus. One continuing problem is that many politicians overlook this epidemic as an important critical issue. At times many issues that are often easier to digest publicly will consume political debates.
Many voters being tax payers often can't see through the initial candy coating politics to the real threatening dilemmas that often go ignored. In general, our only approach to battling this disease is similar to the battle for cancer. We must fund research, medical assistance, and public education to decrease the spread of the disease. Another issue which directly relates to the disease is its natural tendency to hit povershed nations the hardest. This may be because of overpopulation as well as lack of education and health care in these areas. Either way eliminating poverty on a worldwide scale could improve statistics and should always be an idealistic goal around the world. These issues are directly related to the human condition in the world.
