HIV epidemiology in the tropics

Abstract

Notwithstanding, its cause, diagnosis, and treatment remained elusive compounded by the manifestation of signs and symptoms several years following infection together with multiple and varied co-morbidities. The knowledge gaps in terms of the causative agent, diagnostic tools, treatment options, inevitable fatality, and lack of political leadership generated uncertainty, fear, and stigma towards people with AIDS. People living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) were isolated, physically attacked, unfairly dismissed from their jobs, unlawfully evicted from their homes, and denied access to health services. The newly established gay rights movement particularly in industrialized countries campaigned for AIDS to be categorized as a human rights issue advocated for more investments in research and catalysed the discovery of the causative agent, diagnostic tests, and treatment strategies.