HIV in Asia Continues to Stay Rampant

Jun 11, 2019 | 360, Asia, NEWS

HIV infects white blood cells in the body’s immune system called T-helper cells (or CD4 cells) – Avert.org

The Asia-Pacific is second in the universal chart of newly diagnosed HIV cases

Cases of newly documented HIV and AIDS reports continue to grow in Asia over the course of three decades. The spread of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) has been an enduring struggle to eradicate, or at the very least, control since its ungodly beginning in 1980.

The number of people living with the disease has been gradually increasing year by year. UNAIDS, The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS, reported that an estimation of 36.9 million people suffered from the disease in 2017 alone. Most of these patients are adults which is 15 years of age and higher. Children under 15 make up for 1.8 million of the reports all over the world.

Distribution of new HIV infections among Asia and the Pacific 2018

Distribution of new HIV infections among Asia and the Pacific 2018

The spread of HIV and AIDS is most prevalent in druggies that share unsterilized needles, sex workers, undiagnosed pregnant women, and by far, men who engage in sexual relations with other men. This one may be the most common as homosexuality in Asian countries are frowned upon, making it more difficult for them to come out and get help. To make matters worse, a reported estimate of 9.4 million people are unaware of their diagnosis ultimately leading to slimmer chances of survival.

Africa leads in first place with a whopping 25.7 million people. The Asia-Pacific follows in second with 5.2 million, a terrifying number to acknowledge seeing as it had only been 5,000 in 1990. The countries that contribute to this immense statistic are China, Myanmar, the Philippines, Cambodia, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Nepal, and Vietnam.

Asia and the Pacific - Statistics

Asia and the Pacific – Statistics – 2018 FINAL

The HIV/AIDS epidemic in the Philippines is growing at a significant rate, according to the Department of Health. With 8,533 newly documented patients from January to September of 2018, the country now has the fastest growing HIV/AIDS rate in all of Asia. This is a 140% increase in the last six years. Men account for 94% of that total number. Due to the lack of awareness, 20% of patients are diagnosed with advanced or late-stage infection. As of 2019, there have been reported 460 deaths due to HIV/AIDS diseases, most of them male. 

UNAIDS aids in the eradication of this deadly disease with antiretroviral therapy treatment (ART) which is said to suppress HIV/AIDS reports by 90% in 2020. Rest assured, it is a long journey before substantial changes may occur. Before then, it is imperative to remain cautious and safe while spreading awareness. Save a life today.

Progress & Target for Asia Infogram

Progress & Target for 2020 – Asia and the Pacific 90-90-90 Goal