The reasons are both biological and social, including high rates of teenage pregnancy, an epidemic of gender-based and interpersonal violence; lack of quality education; and widespread poverty and unemployment.

Why does Africa have the highest HIV rate?

In addition, in sub-Saharan Africa AIDS is the leading killer and a large reason for the high transmission rates is because of the lack of education provided to youth. When infected, most children die within one year because of the lack of treatment.

Why does the South have the highest HIV rate?

Root causes of the enduring HIV epidemic in the South The South suffers from disproportionate rates of concentrated poverty – the clustering of poor populations in very poor communities – that increasingly exists in smaller cities, suburban areas and rural counties.

Why is HIV so common in South Africa?

The epidemic is generalized across the countrys population and primarily driven by sexual transmission. The concurrent epidemics of TB and sexually transmitted infections are fueled by this epidemic. In the first decade of democracy in South Africa, adult HIV prevalence rose from less than 3% to an estimated 18.1%.

Does South Africa have the highest HIV rate?

South Africa has the biggest HIV epidemic in the world, with 7.7 million people living with HIV. HIV prevalence among the general population is high at 20.4%.