A.i.d.s. Outlook ‘not Bright’ (Press, 14 November 1989)

On 14 November 1989, a World Health Organisation (W.H.O.) expert, Dr Jonathan Mann, shared insights on the escalating global AIDS crisis, emphasising that combating the disease would necessitate significant time, financial investment, and sustained efforts. He projected that by the year 2000, nearly 10 million people would be affected by acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Dr Mann, who leads W.H.O.'s AIDS programme, noted that information campaigns aimed at raising awareness about the disease have started to show positive outcomes, particularly among homosexual communities who have been disproportionately affected in Western countries. However, he warned that the situation was likely to worsen before it gets better, asserting that the 1990s would present greater challenges compared to the 1980s. Statistics from W.H.O. support Dr Mann's assertions. Since its identification in the United States in 1981, AIDS has rapidly spread around the globe, with some countries experiencing swift outbreaks. For instance, just months prior to the report, Thailand was considered almost free of the disease, but it has since recorded cases in 70 of its 73 provinces. The percentage of drug users in Bangkok who are affected has surged dramatically from one to 40 per cent since December 1987. Regions in Central and Eastern Africa have been particularly hard-hit; in some areas of Burundi and Uganda, the adult population aged between 20 and 40 has been decimated, leaving behind mainly the very young and elderly. The United States remains the hardest hit country, with an alarming rate of 400 cases per million. In Europe, Switzerland reports the highest incidence rate at 130 per million, followed closely by France at 120 and Denmark at 80. As of the report, W.H.O. had documented over 180,000 official AIDS cases, but due to issues such as misdiagnosis and delays in data collection, it is believed that the actual number could be closer to 600,000. Furthermore, an estimated five to ten million individuals might be living with the HIV virus, which leads to AIDS. Dr Mann's urgent call underscores the need for enhanced global awareness and commitment to fighting the epidemic.

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