AIDS leading cause of death for women globally
In a study of women’s health, the World Health Organization stated that AIDS is the leading cause of death among women between the ages of 15 and 44, worldwide. In addition, 1 out of 4 women in the United States is living with HIV/AIDS. AIDS is also leading cause of death among Black women between 25yrs and 34years. The majority of the death from AIDS happens in countries with low to middle incomes where unsafe sex is the biggest risk factor. Even in higher income countries like the United States, AIDS is still a major health concern for women. What adds to the high infection rates and ultimate death of these women is the devastation it causes to the entire family structure. In many of these families affected by HIV/AIDS, the woman is the only surviving parent or the head of a single parent household. More than likely, the woman is the primarily caregiver in the family and the death of that mother turns those children into orphans or they are passed from one family member to another. In a report by Avert.org, “Worldwide, it is estimated that more than 15 million children under 18 have been orphaned as a result of AIDS. Around 11.6 million of these children live in sub-Saharan Africa. In countries badly affected by the epidemic such as Zambia and Botswana, it is estimated that 20 percent of children under 17 are orphans – most of whom have lost one or both parents to AIDS.”
The lack of information and resources, the social status of most women in many parts of the world and the social norms and values of certain cultures undermine the ability for these women to protect themselves. We will not see a change in these numbers until women are able to protect themselves and their children. Health services around the world need to be empowered to provide culturally specific information and educational materials to high risk communities. In addition, testing has to be the first step in prevention methods. A massive effort has to be directed at educating families, but women in particular, about safe sex practices and using treatment to prevent the spread of the virus.
These statistics can turn around, but first the status of women worldwide must improve, changes must be made in the unequal healthcare of women and advancements to the treatment of patients with HIV/AIDS must continue.
