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Current HIV/AIDS Reports
Published in: Current HIV/AIDS Reports 4/2016

01-08-2016 | The Global Epidemic (SH Vermund, Section Editor)

The History of the HIV/AIDS Epidemic in Africa

Authors: Joseph Kagaayi, David Serwadda

Published in: Current HIV/AIDS Reports | Issue 4/2016

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Abstract

HIV testing of African immigrants in Belgium showed that HIV existed among Africans by 1983. However, the epidemic was recognized much later in most parts of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) due to stigma and perceived fear of possible negative consequences to the countries’ economies. This delay had devastating mortality, morbidity, and social consequences. In countries where earlier recognition occurred, political leadership was vital in mounting a response. The response involved establishment of AIDS control programs and research on the HIV epidemiology and candidate preventive interventions. Over time, the number of effective interventions has grown; the game changer being triple antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART has led to a rapid decline in HIV-related morbidity and mortality in addition to prevention of onward HIV transmission. Other effective interventions include safe male circumcision, pre-exposure prophylaxis, and post-exposure prophylaxis. However, since none of these is sufficient by itself, delivering a combination package of these interventions is important for ending the HIV epidemic as a public health threat.
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Metadata
Title
The History of the HIV/AIDS Epidemic in Africa
Authors
Joseph Kagaayi
David Serwadda
Publication date
01-08-2016
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current HIV/AIDS Reports / Issue 4/2016
Print ISSN: 1548-3568
Electronic ISSN: 1548-3576
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11904-016-0318-8

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