HIV/AIDS
History
HIV/AIDS originated from a chimpanzee located in West Africa. It was transmitted to humans and mutated into HIV when humans hunted these chimps for meat and came in contact with their infected blood. It slowly spread in the late 19th century or early 20th century.
HIV-1 and HIV-2
HIV-1 originated from chimps (immundeficiencey virus)
HIV-2 originated in a type of monkey called the sooty mangabey.
How has it affected people?
-15 million Africans have died from AIDS.
-It is hard to access nutrition, basic health care, housing, and clothing.
- In Africa, people with this disease occupy more than 1/2 the hospital beds.
Economy Impact
-Reduced labor supply (this causes productivity to decline)
-Lost 28 million workers
Treatment
-Needle and syringe exchange programs can reduce HIV transmssions without increasing injection drug use.
- A vaccine can protect against HIV infection.
- A trail funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development shows that a gel containing an anti-HIV drug that can help prevent from HIV protection.