The statistics of AIDS affliction in Africa are devastating - 70% of the world's AIDS cases are in Africa. A multi-pronged approach to prevent the spread of the disease while treating it and effectively caring for the millions of people affected by HIV/AIDS is a top priority for doctors and other health specialists in Africa. .
Each country has adopted a different approach to handling this deadly disease. South Africa has seen unprecedented growth in the spread of AIDS and this has prompted a unprecedented need for immediate action. Creation of the NATO CIS Operating and Support Agency (NACOSA), has given it the attention it urgently requires. Thousands of men and women from other countries and with experience in relative fields, have arrived to help with the crisis, but these selfless volunteers need to be effectively managed in order to ensure they're placed where they can be the most helpful. .
High dependency on external aid and lack of prioritization are two key issues afflicting the Government. Swaziland & Lesotho in the early 80's saw a combination of short and medium term programs being implemented unsuccessfully which lead to the adoption of a new strategic program in the mid 90's. However, the aid coordinating agency's capacity was greatly curbed due to lack of financial resources and lack of skills. Botswana is the worst affected country in Africa and has also seen the highest amount of funds being allocated for HIV/AIDS management which includes both voluntary and routine testing. The Government, though slow to respond, has taken this on priority in four stages over the last few decades.
Pharmaceutical companies have identified the "high need areas " which warrant medication on priority. A study of behavioral issues alongside has shown regional patterns in the spread of the disease. Identification of the most effective and appropriate drugs with preventive measures to be deployed is the next step that the companies have worked on by segregating countries on the basis of their incomes.