The epidemiology of AIDS [AIDS epidemiyolojisi]

Abstract

AIDS was first defined in the United States in 1981. It spreads to nearly all the countries of the world with a great speed and can infect everbody without any differentiation. The infection results in death and there is no cure or vaccine for it, yet. To data given to World Health Organization until July-1994, it is estimated that there are about 1 million patients and about 22 millions is estimated HIV positive persons in the world. Sixty percent of HIV positive persons are men and 40% are women. The distribution of HIV/AIDS cases shows important differences worldwide. AIDS prevalence is higher in Africa than the other continents. America, Europe and Asia follows Africa, respectively. AIDS was first defined in Turkey in 1985 and there are 531 HIV/AIDS cases reported until April-1996. HIV lives in the body fluids of infected person and is transmitted by blood, by sexual contact and from mother to their infants. Blood, semen and vaginal secretions take role in the transmission of HIV. Worldwide, transmission by sexual contact is the most common and the most important way for HIV. Educating people about 'Safe Sexual Behaviours' is the only way for preventing the transmission of HIV by sexual contact. No transmission is shown by closed contact without sexual contact, by sharing the same bathroom, toilet or dishes and by vectors. The disease is in a dimension that requires to use the sources of all the world. Common strategies are tried to be developed for preventing the transmission of the disease by international collaboration. The most important measurements that should be taken to prevent the transmission are; obtaining the widespread usage of condom, prevention and treatment of other sexually transmitted diseases and educating the people about risky sexual behaviours.