Recent Progress and Challenges in Combating the HIV/AIDS Epidemic: A Review

Abstract

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) has for many years devastated lives and still continues to do so in the present day. Reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS is a global concern, one that has been given vast resources, but still remains a major huddle to development to most world economies. The devastation caused by the disease is not only felt by individual families, friends and loved ones, but is also a heavy loss of human capital. Identifying the key factors that affect the spread of the disease ensures that resources and efforts are devoted to addressing those specific issues. Many factors like: irresponsible behavior and life-style, cultural practices, unsanitary medical equipments poverty and illiteracies have been long blamed for the persistence of the disease. However, none of these factors is often solely to blame for the high prevalence of HIV in some communities. Unless elaborate studies can elucidate the complex interaction between these factors and how exactly they influence the HIV dynamics, reducing the spread of the epidemic might remain a challenge for the foreseeable future. This work discusses recent progress and major challenges faced in combating the spread of HIV/AIDS. Further insight into what can be done to reduce its spread and improve the welfare and quality of life of those infected and affected by the epidemic is provided.