Prevention of AIDS

Term Paper # 97613

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Prevention of AIDS

This paper discusses the lack of successful prevention strategies in the struggle against AIDS.

894 words () | 6 sources | APA | 2007 France

Paper Summary:

The paper relates that although there have been many promising developments in recent years concerning the global endeavor to address the AIDS epidemic, which includes increased access to both prevention programs and effective treatments, the number of those being infected with the virus continues to grow. The paper discusses how prevention as a strategy has been strongly advocated in the battle against AIDS because transmission is, to a certain degree, preventable. The paper notes, however, that prevention strategies have not produced the required results and the epidemic continues to touch the lives of millions across the globe.

From the Paper:

"AIDS, or the HIV virus, was identified in the United States in 1981, following an increase in the number of homosexual men being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. After a number of years, during which "prevention" was the only system of defense against AIDS, scientists managed to develop a test for the virus, while extensive research enabled a better understanding of transmission processes. This, consequently, led to the launching of various prevention strategies, as scientists continued to search for effective treatments, and a cure. However, despite the extensive prevention programs and strategies, official figures reveal that the numbers of newly infected cases did not start reducing until new drugs became available in 1996 (CDC, 2007). Despite this, however, "prevention" strategy has continued to be an essential tool in fighting the virus."

Sample of Sources Used:

AVERT.org. (2007). Online article: The History of AIDS 1987-1992. Information retrieved 08/19/2007.< http://www.avert.org/his87_92.htm>
CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) 2007. Online Report: HIV. Information Retrieved 08/18/2007. < http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/topics/basic/>
EDUCAIDS - A Global Initiative on HIV/AIDS Education (2007). Online Article: UNESCO's Strategy for HIV/AIDS Prevention Education. Information retrieved 08/18/2007.< http://www.harare.unesco.org/educaids/strategy.html>
Joseph Charmie (2003). As quoted by AVERT.org. Online Article: The History of AIDS 2003 Onwards, 2007. Information retrieved 08/19/2007.< http://www.avert.org/aidshistory.htm>
Pincock S. (2003). Nearly 50000 adults in the United Kingdom now have HIV, BMJ 327:1245, November 29.