AIDS: World's Leading Cause of Death in Women of Reproductive Age

Gender inequality to access information on prevention, treatment and the ability to negotiate safe sex are the reasons for the widespread of the disease.

Very few people know that HIV/AIDS is the world’s leading cause of death among women of reproductive age. The disease takes a massive toll on the lives and potential of millions of women, their families, communities and economies. //

Biological reasons make women more susceptible to HIV. Women’s access to information on prevention, treatment and the ability to negotiate safe sex is limited. Gender inequality in the highly affected areas is the main reason for the disease to be endemic.

AIDS/HIV - Epidemiology Terminology Infections
AIDS or HIV is an epidemic disease, a potentially deadly infection that can be prevented with precautions. AIDS/HIV symptoms manifest long after the actual infection occurs.

For example, in South Africa, nearly 1 in 7 cases of HIV in women were found to be due to sexual violence. Poverty forces many women into the sex trade and decreases their power to their access HIV prevention and treatment.

An AIDS vaccine would empower women to fight against the deadly disease and will be a powerful tool to help women redress some of these lethal imbalances in sexual and gender dynamics. Women will be able to protect themselves if the vaccine is administered before exposure to the virus and invisible to partners and peers.

Scientists, medical professionals, advocates and participants in clinical trials mainly women are in the effort to bring the world a vaccine for AIDS.

Needlestick Injuries - Risks, Prevention & Treatment
A needlestick injury is a common occupational hazard that occurs when the skin has been pierced by a needle or a sharp object.

Source-Medindia

AIDS/HIV - Clinical Features Treatment FAQ Prevention & Transmission
"AIDS is an epidemic disease, a potentially preventable, deadly infection for which there is no cure, no vaccine, and it is not under control." - National Commission on AIDS, 1993.

The Fight for People With HIV/AIDS and an AIDS Free World
AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) is nonprofit organization, which provides cutting-edge medicine and advocacy to HIV patients. Dr. Nochiketa Mohanty is the Country Program Manager for AHF India Cares.