HIV/AIDS in Africa

HIV/AIDS originated in the early 20th century and remains a significant public health challenge, particularly in Africa. Although the continent constitutes about 17% of the world's population,^[1] it bears a disproportionate burden of the epidemic. As of 2023, around 25.6 million people in sub-Saharan Africa were living with HIV, accounting for over two-thirds of the global total.^[2] The majority of new infections and AIDS-related deaths occur in Eastern and Southern Africa, which house approximately 55% of the global HIV-positive population.^[3]

In regions such as Southern Africa, the epidemic is particularly severe. Countries including Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Eswatini, Zambia, and Zimbabwe exhibit adult prevalence rates exceeding 10%.^[4] This has significantly affected life expectancy, with reductions of up to 20 years in the most impacted areas.^[5] By contrast, North Africa, West Africa, and the Horn of Africa report significantly lower prevalence rates, attributed to differing cultural practices and reduced engagement in high-risk behaviors.^[6] Efforts to combat the epidemic have focused on multiple strategies, including the widespread distribution of antiretroviral therapy (ART), which has substantially improved the quality of life and reduced mortality for those living with HIV.^[7] Between 2010 and 2020, AIDS-related deaths declined by 43% in sub-Saharan Africa due to increased access to ART and prevention of mother-to-child transmission programs.^[8] However, challenges persist, including stigma, insufficient healthcare infrastructure, and funding constraints.

Key regional and international organizations, such as UNAIDS, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the African Union, continue to coordinate responses, aiming to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of ending the HIV epidemic by 2030.^[9] Initiatives such as the PEPFAR program and the Global Fund have been instrumental in scaling up ART distribution and prevention campaigns.^[10]

Despite progress, gender inequalities exacerbate the epidemic's impact, with young women in sub-Saharan Africa experiencing HIV infection rates three times higher than their male counterparts.^[11] Addressing socio-economic factors and enhancing HIV/AIDS education among at-risk populations remain vital components of comprehensive intervention strategies.