Authors: Narendra K Chopra, Han Ni and Vichard Lim
The origin of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) has puzzled scientists ever since the illness first came to light in early 1980s. The first recognized case of AIDS occurred in USA in 1981. For over 25 years it has been the subject of fierce debate and cause of countless arguments. It is now generally accepted that HIV is a descendent of simian immunodeficiency virus and there are many theories about how these “Zoonosis” originated and how SIV became HIV in human. Advances in anti retroviral treatment have steadily reduced the morbidity and mortality associated with HIV infection. However in the low-income, high- prevalence countries, antiretroviral medication has taken a long time to reach the people who actually need it. Access to medication must greatly improve if millions of deaths are to be avoided. HIV is preventable and controllable disease with integrated primary health care approach and with chain of strong effective surveillance system. Unless great progress is made in prevention, the number of people living with HIV will outstrip the resources available for treatment. As per data from UNAIDS summary of global epidemic 2017, total 36.9 million people are living with HIV, 1.8 millions are newly HIV infected adults & 1.8 million are infected children less than 15 years. The impact of control of HIV depends on vital epidemiological parameters like Child prevalence & incidence and annual new cases of HIV in adults & children, deaths due to AIDS in adults &children. The latest data of HIV/AIDS in adults, children male female & deaths as per WHO/ UNAID will be presented & discuss. The search for effective vaccines & microbicides must therefore be one of very highest priority. HIV is global threat and action needs to be taken to prevent it killing many more millions than those who already have died. This action needs not only to continue but to be speeded up considerably.
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