HIV Infection in Australia and Malaysia Essay
HIV is one of the most dangerous viruses of the 21-st century. According to HIV experts, “as the HIV epidemic emerged in the early 1980s, its diverse manifestations were described and categorized”(Mayer et al., 2007, p. 1). HIV-infected people are those individuals who have the symptoms of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Statistical data show that since the emergence of the HIV epidemic, “over 60 million people have become infected with the virus, with almost 20 million dying from its complications” worldwide (Mayer et al., 2007, p. 1). HIV infection is a life-threatening virus; therefore, special attention should be paid to treatment methods. Reductions in HIV transmission require implementation of the widespread efforts, and “a mix of communication channels to disseminate messages to motivate people to engage in a range of options to reduce risk” (Coates et al., 2008, p. 669). The prevalence of this condition is different in different countries. In Australia the prevalence of HIV infection is promising, while in Malaysia, it is frightening.HIV Infection in Australia and Malaysia Essay
Defining the condition (HIV)
HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus, which causes a life-threatening infectious disease AIDS. Today two variants of the HIV virus are identified: HIV-1 and HIV-2. Both viruses cause AIDS. HIV is considered to be “a chronic retrovirus that affects the immune system” (Australian Social Trends, 2012). The virus has a negative impact on the immune system and causes the onset of various life-threatening infections. If HIV infection is left untreated, it may lead to the development of AIDS, “a syndrome of opportunistic infections and diseases that develops as immunosuppression deepens” (Australian Social Trends, 2012).
The key risk factors for HIV-virus transmission depend on the method of the virus transmission, including sexual contact, HIV transmission from mother to baby during pregnancy period, an individual’s exposure to HIV-contaminated blood and sharing needle sticks (Australian Social Trends, 2012).HIV Infection in Australia and Malaysia Essay
Prevalence/Incidence of condition in Australia
The prevalence/incidence of HIV infection in Australia deserves special attention as it provides some positive results of anti-HIV/AIDS programs. According to the statistical data provided by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, “in 2010, there were 1,031 new cases of HIV among men and women aged 13 years and over, or 5.5 notifications per 100,000 population” (Australian Social Trends, 2012). The most vulnerable group of population includes men aged 30-39 years old. Researches state that in Australia, HIV transmission prevails in “homosexual men due to unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) in the era of HAART” (Jin et al. 2010, p. 907). According to recent research, the rate of HIV diagnosis in Australian population is falling, “from 22 per 100,000 in 2002 to 18 per 100,000 in 2010” (Australian Social Trends, 2012).
Prevalence/Incidence of condition in Malaysia
In Malaysia, HIV prevalence has been analyzed by the Ministry of Health. According to statistical data of 2010, “91,362 men, women and children have been notified infected with HIV; while 12,943have died of AIDS” (AIDS in Malaysia, 2014). The most vulnerable group of population includes adults aged 20-39 years old. HIV-epidemic in Malaysia was initially caused by sharing injection in drug use, but today there is a considerable increase in heterosexual HIV transmission. According to statistical data, “in 2010, 40% of new reported HIV cases were attributed to heterosexual intercourse, a dramatic increase from 27% in 2009” (AIDS in Malaysia, 2014).
Conclusion
Thus, it is necessary to conclude that HIV infection is life-threatening virus which causes the AIDS. The prevalence of HIV infection is different in different countries. In Malaysia the HIV transmission rate is higher than in Australia. Today all countries should be focused on developing the proper programs aimed at reducing HIV infection rate and creating positive climate for treating HIV-infected people.HIV Infection in Australia and Malaysia Essay
References
AIDS in Malaysia (2014). UNICEF. Retrieved from:<http://www.unicef.org/malaysia/aids.html.
Australian Social Trends. (2012). Australian Bureau of Statistics. Retrieved from:<http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/[email protected]/Lookup/4102.0Main+Features10Jun+2012>
Coates, T. J., Richter, L., Caceres, C. (2008). “Behavioral strategies to reduce HIV transmission: how to make them work better,” The Lancet, 372 (9639): 669-684. http://www.who.int/hiv/events/artprevention/coates.pdf
Jin, F., Jansson, J., Law, M. et al. (2010). “Per-contact probability of HIV transmission in homosexual men in Sydney in the era of HAART,” AIDS, 24(6): 907-913. http://www.who.int/hiv/events/artprevention/jin_per.pdf
Mayer, K. H. & Bell, S. K. (2007). “Transmission, Pathogenesis and Natural History” in HIV, ed. by Howard Libman and Harvey J. Makadon. New York: ACP Press.HIV Infection in Australia and Malaysia Essay