Hogtying HIV
The HIV Epidemic in Africa
What is HIV?
Graph of Global Infections
This graph shows the growth of reported global infections from the years 1990 to 2009
HIV Virus
This is what the HIV virus looks like under the microscope.
What are the Causes of and History Behind HIV?
There are many theories as to the start of the HIV virus. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Scientists have identified a type of chimpanzee in western Africa as the most likely source of HIV infections in humans. They believe that a chimpanzee virus known as SIV was transferred to human and mutated into HIV." Please see the picture to your left to see what this chimpanzee species looks like. There are many ways in which HIV can be transmitted from human to human. "The primary ways that HIV can be transmitted are: unsafe sexual practices, contact or transfer of infected bodily fluids, being stuck with a contaminated needle, eating food that has been pre-chewed by an HIV infected individual, or getting bitten by an HIV-infected patient." (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). This means that HIV can enter a person through the digestive tract, as with the pre-chewed food. It can also be transferred through the respiratory tract if some particles of the HIV virus are inhaled or through the skin such as with an infected (shared) needle, commonly when using drugs. HIV can also be transmitted from mother to child during childbirth. The final and PRIMARY way that HIV can be transferred is through the genital and/or anal canal during unsafe sexual practices.
What are the Effects of HIV on an Infected Patient?
What are the Effects of HIV on Africa?
Another effect that HIV has on Africa is strain on the healthcare system there. Hospitals in Africa are understaffed as it is and if they have many HIV patients, they are not able to give each patient the time they need for care.
HIV Medications
Just these HIV medications cost $10,000-$15,000 per year per patient.
Generic HIV Meds
This is one of the first few generic HIV medications that are starting to help lower the cost of HIV medications.
What are the solutions to HIV?
One Last Thing............
The creator of this website would like to say thank you to all the wonderful doctors, nurses and other volunteers that help people like Monica from the video earlier who are living with HIV and helping to educate others on HIV and how to prevent it by dedicating the following song, "Keep Changing The World", originally by Christian artist Mikeschair. Thank you for your efforts.
This Site Created By:
Ms. Kester
English II Honors