Rapid Spread Of A.I.D.S. Noted In Africa (Press, 9 May 1985)
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Summary: Rapid Spread Of A.I.D.S. Noted In Africa (Press, 9 May 1985)
An international conference held in Cairo has highlighted the alarming spread of AIDS in Africa, particularly in the central and eastern regions of the continent. According to reports from the London newspaper "Observer," nine countries are currently facing serious AIDS outbreaks, with some areas experiencing extremely high rates of infection. For example, in urban centres of Zaire, it is estimated that one in ten people may carry the virus. A study conducted in Uganda revealed that 20 per cent of sampled individuals were carriers of the virus. Dr Fakhry Assaad, who is the director of communicable disease control for the World Health Organisation, expressed concerns about the situation, stating that "quite frankly, we don’t know what is happening." He indicated that there might be unique factors contributing to the rapid spread of AIDS in Africa. Initially emerging in the Caribbean and among homosexual communities, the AIDS virus, formally termed acquired immune deficiency syndrome, weakens the immune system, making individuals vulnerable to other diseases. The disease has since been transmitted through various means, including blood transfusions. The "Observer" article pointed out that AIDS is widely acknowledged as a major health issue in Zaire, Rwanda, and Burundi, and is expanding in Uganda and the Congo. Meanwhile, countries like Tanzania, Zambia, and Angola are experiencing early stages of the outbreak. However, many of these nations are hesitant to disclose information regarding the extent of the outbreaks, fearing potential adverse effects on their vital tourism industries. To address the situation, a special conference focusing on AIDS in Africa is slated to take place in October, organised under the auspices of the World Health Organisation. As the AIDS crisis escalates across the continent, the outcomes of this conference may prove critical in developing strategies to control the disease and mitigate its impact on affected populations.
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