Why Is AIDS More Common in Africa Than Canada?

In 2007, there was a 0.4 percent prevalence of AIDS in Canada. In Botswana (one of the most infected areas of Africa), the prevalence of AIDS in 2007 was 23.9 percent.

Origin

• According to the international AIDS charity, Avert, it's highly likely that AIDS began in Africa. While there is no "Patient Zero" or complete conclusion about the origin of AIDS, the best theory through scientific evidence is that its starting point is in Africa. The monkeys in Africa who were infected with the virus transferred them to people. Monkeys from Asia and South America didn't have the particular strain responsible for human transmission.

Health Care

• Canada has a form of socialized health care which allows each citizen to have health coverage. In Africa (especially Sub-Saharan Africa where the AIDS epidemic is at its worst) basic health care is hard to come by. The infrastructure is lacking in Africa to fund any kind of health care plan.

Access to Treatment

• Canada has developed some of the world's AIDS treatments. This leads to easier access to treatment and care. In Canada, there's more information and education for AIDS patients. The medicine to help with AIDS is expensive and usually only afforded by wealthy people from western countries.

Debt

• According to the article, "AIDS in Africa" by Anup Shah, in 2000, the United States put together a loan for Sub-Saharan Africa to purchase AIDS medications and equipment. However, three African countries rejected the loan because it would put Africa further into debt.

Poverty

• Canada doesn't have the issue of poverty as much of Africa does, leading to easier access to treatment and longer life spans.