The Rise of HIV in the Wider World And Truth Through Test Results

HIV infection may not be on the tips of tongues as once it was. Your HIV test results are no longer first date conversation. Red ribbons hardly adorn lapels at awards shows these days. Other illnesses with different colored ribbons have taken their place. But while this is a good sign, one that we have educated our society to the ills of HIV / AIDS, it is a double-edged sword. It is too easy to become complacent with many people consciously, or unconsciously, figuring what's out of sight out is out of mind. One thing is for sure, HIV has not disappeared from the world stage and knowing your test results is still very important to anyone who takes their health seriously.

In all the listed regions below an institutionalized HIV test would go far as to alerting people of their status. Putting the power back into the hands of the people. This is one result of administering a test to all who request one. The following numbers suggest we have a long way to go before a program like this is adapted worldwide.

Asia
Current estimates say that there are approximately 5 million people living in Asia with HIV / AIDS. Let us not forget that Asia is the world's most populated continent, so relatively speaking this number is not as devastating as it first appears. In the majority of Asian countries the percentage of infection is less than 1% of the population.

Caribbean
During the year 2009 it is approximated that 7,000 people were newly infected throughout the Caribbean. This number is a 3,000 person drop from the year 2001. We hope to see these numbers continue their downward trend.

Eastern Europe & Central Asia
Grim statistics out of this region continue to get worse. The number of the infected is believed to be over 1,500,000 but less than 2,000,000. In the year 2009 over 75,000 people died of HIV and AIDS-related illnesses-quadrupling the number who died less than eight years previously.

Central & South America
Through these two regions over 1,500,000 continue to live with HIV and AIDS.

Sub-Saharan Africa
Africa is the most HIV & AIDS ravaged region on Earth. Contemplate the following statistic: Africa has just 10% of the world's population-but is home to over 65% of all people living with HIV / AIDS. Let that sink in.

At this point, and with these overwhelming statistics, receiving an HIV test may seem a meaningless endeavor. It is estimated that close to 25% of Americans infected with HIV are completely unaware of it. Arming yourself with the knowledge that you may pass the disease onto another person makes for a strong deterrent. It will not solve the international crisis, but it can help in a world that can use all the help it can get.

Source by Slava Fuzayloff