NR 553 Week 1 Global Health Challenges

Student Name

Chamberlain University

NR-553: Global Health

Prof. Name:

Date

Global Health Challenge: HIV/AIDS

Causes of HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS remains a significant global health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The primary factors contributing to the spread of HIV include a high prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), limited access to STI treatment, and a lack of widespread condom use due to social and cultural barriers. Additionally, war, civil disturbances, and migration contribute to increased vulnerability. Women’s low socioeconomic status, low literacy rates, and cultural practices further exacerbate the crisis. Unsafe medical practices, such as unsterilized needles and contaminated blood transfusions, also play a role in the transmission of HIV (USAID Bureau of Global Health, 2010).

Trends in HIV/AIDS Prevalence

HIV/AIDS has been one of the most pressing global health issues for over three decades, receiving the largest proportion of development assistance for health. In 2011, an estimated 34.2 million people were living with HIV worldwide, with 2.5 million new infections and 1.7 million AIDS-related deaths recorded (WHO/UNAIDS/UNICEF, 2011). Sub-Saharan Africa continues to be the most affected region, with infection rates exceeding 30% in some countries. The Caribbean is the second most impacted region, where HIV/AIDS remains one of the leading causes of death among individuals aged 25 to 44 years (USAID Bureau of Global Health, 2010). While antiretroviral therapy (ART) has significantly improved survival rates in high-income countries, access remains limited in poorer regions, exacerbating health disparities (Busby & Kapstein, 2016).

Corrective Actions and Resource Allocation

Addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic requires a multifaceted approach that includes education, prevention, treatment, and policy changes. Comprehensive prevention programs must focus on STI management, provider-initiated HIV testing, and counseling. Ensuring universal access to ART, particularly in low-income regions, is crucial for reducing mortality rates. Advocacy efforts should continue to combat stigma and discrimination, promoting the right to healthcare for all individuals. Governments and global health organizations must prioritize the development of new prevention strategies, increase political commitment, and strengthen national responses. Implementing evidence-based interventions, such as early STI treatment, can significantly reduce HIV transmission rates and improve global health outcomes (WHO/UNAIDS/UNICEF, 2011).

Table: Overview of HIV/AIDS as a Global Health Challenge

Aspect	Details	References
Causes	High STI prevalence, limited access to treatment, lack of condom use, war, cultural factors, women’s low status, unsafe medical practices.	USAID Bureau of Global Health (2010)
Trends	34.2 million people living with HIV (2011); high prevalence in Sub-Saharan Africa (30%+ in some regions); second-most affected region: Caribbean.	WHO/UNAIDS/UNICEF (2011)
Corrective Actions	Comprehensive prevention programs, universal ART access, STI management, provider-initiated testing, advocacy for policy changes, increased government commitment.	Busby & Kapstein (2016); WHO/UNAIDS/UNICEF (2011)

References

Busby, J. W., & Kapstein, E. B. (2016). Framing global health as human rights: Learning from the case of HIV/AIDS. Global Health Governance, 10(3), 24-40.

USAID Bureau of Global Health. (2010, May 10). HIV/AIDS surveillance. Retrieved from https://www.globalhealthlearning.org/course/hiv-aids-surveillance