Hiv/Aids Epidemiology in Swaziland - 2319 Words

Running head: HIV/AIDS Epidemiology in Swaziland HIV/AIDS Epidemiology in Swaziland Andrew Jay Mallo Florida International University Abstract Since the first case was reported in 1986, AIDS has disproportionately affected the Kingdom of Swaziland relative to other nations in the region and globally. The high prevalence rate is characteristic of a generalized epidemic. It is estimated that there will be 20,000 to 30,000 new HIV infections each year. The Swazi Ministry of Health and Social Welfare [MoHSW] collects this data every two years, creating a lag of time between data collection and dissemination of information. Based on HIV prevalence studies, the HIV epidemic has disproportionately affected women, is primarily†¦show more content†¦The stabilization may be due to a slight decrease in new cases. It is difficult to make this conclusion since there is no access to HIV incidence data. There has been a decline in AIDS mortality rate since 2004 which may also correspond with an increase in antiretroviral therapy. Source: UN/WHO. (2008, October). Epidemiological fact sheet on HIV and AIDS: Swaziland. Transmission Patterns Although there has been some stabilizing in the HIV prevalence rate over the last couple of years there still exists a significant heterogeneity in the HIV epidemic. Adult women have a significantly higher prevalence rate than men: 31% to 19.7% (UNAIDS, 2008). Overall, the male-to-female ratio of HIV cases for young adults (age 15-24) has doubled from 2:1 in 2001 to 4:1 in 2007 (UNAIDS, 2008). The HIV prevalence rate of pregnant women was 38.8% in 2007 (UNAIDS, 2008). The 11th HIV sentinel surveillance study showed a stabilization of HIV in pregnant women. The data shows that women are at a greater risk of acquiring HIV than men. The greater risk is reflective of heterosexual transmission. An epidemiological study by Physicians For Human Rights (2007) identifies an inequality between men and women that plays a role in this heterogeneity. In this study women were more economically dependent and lacked control over sexual decision making. Women’s rights had a protective effect: Belief in sexual decisionShow MoreRelatedBiology At St. Francis Desales High School3053 Words   |  13 Pagesat a four year university and to later attend medical school. c. HIV is a virus that most of you, if not all, have heard of. That is because over 1.2 million Americans live with it everyday. Many of you may wonder: what makes this disease so dangerous? Well, out of all these infected people, one in eight are not even aware that this virus is currently multiplying in their bloodstream (CDC). This ignorance stems from the fact that HIV initially lies latent in the body for up to ten years. After thisRead MoreDiscuss the Importance of Non Verbal Communication to Education24125 Words   |  97 Pages------------------------------------------------- Top of Form Bottom of Form IFAD strategy paper on HIV/AIDS for East and Southern Africa IFAD strategy paper on HIV/AIDS for East and Southern Africa A. Assessing the Impact of HIV/AIDS on IFAD-Supported Projects 34. This section looks at the relevance of HIV/AIDS to agricultural and rural development projects, considering the vulnerability of project target groups and IFAD project staff and their families to HIV/AIDS; the reduced project implementation capacity resulting from the