Looking at the present scenario it could be said that entire Asia is quite susceptible to HIV infection as more and more people are being engulfed by the spate of HIV/AIDS.This confirms the Independent Commission on AIDS in Asia, according to which the number of HIV infected people in Asia, is likely to double over the next five years, especially if fight against HIV/AIDS is not fueled further with more prolific strategies. According to this commission:
• There are about 8.6 million people in Asia alone with this deadly virus.
• This number is likely to reach about 20 million in the next five years.
• Averagely 500,000 people die of HIV/AIDS in the Asian region alone.
• Asian region bears losses of approximately $10 billion annually.
• This financial loss is likely to touch $29 billion mark per year, in case Asia fails to hamshackle the mammoth of HIV/AIDS.
Deploring on the present situation prevailing in Asia, the commissioned feared that about 8.6 million people are infected in Asia with HIV. At the current level of inadequate response, it is expected this number will rise to about 20 million in the next five years.
In other words, if we say that not a particular part but the whole Asia is in the throes of HIV/AIDS then perhaps it won’t be wrong. Until the late 1980s, Asia was proud to be the continent without a major AIDS epidemic. However, by the time 1990s came to its closing, Asia came to known as a continent, infested with HIV infected patients.
It is quite pitiable that countries like India, China, Pakistan, and even small countries like Indonesia are also sinking into the slough of HIV/AIDS. According to an estimate, most populated countries on the planet, namely India and China do have at least 5 million people with this deadly infection. This clearly shows that how worst situation is bound to be in the upcoming days. The situation looks grimmer when countries like Afghanistan are also seen sharing the same menace.
Actually, many factors are constantly fueling the holocaust HIV/AIDS in Asia, in which factors are drug abuse, paid sex, unsafe sex, etc. could be counted easily. An overview of Asian countries shows that ignorance is the main culprit behind this inundation of HIV infection. Therefore, in order to curb the spread of HIV infection main focus should be on kindling awareness among the masses. And for that huge investment is required, which currently this campaign (anti-HIV/AIDS) is running short of, since the commission itself reveals that investments in HIV control in the region remain extremely low at 10% of the required $5 billion per year.
Via: USA Today
