Final answer:
Africa is the continent with the majority of HIV-positive cases, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, which accounts for nearly 70 percent of the global total. The region faces challenges due to limited access to treatments, contributing to the high impact of the epidemic.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Continent Most Affected by HIV
The continent that is home to the overwhelming majority of HIV-positive cases is Africa. Sub-Saharan Africa, in particular, bears the brunt of the epidemic. Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for nearly 70 percent of the world's HIV-positive cases. The prevalence of HIV/AIDS is starkly higher in this region compared to other parts of the world, with a marked impact on women and children. While there have been some successes in combating the spread, such as increased use of condoms and public information campaigns, the region still faces a significant challenge due to the lack of access to medication.
In contrast to Africa, countries in other parts of the world such as North America and Western Europe have seen a much lower prevalence of HIV/AIDS, in part due to the availability and advancement of medical treatments. Additionally, economic factors play a role, as the United States has a relatively large number of people with HIV/AIDS but a greater number of survivors, likely due to better access to healthcare and treatment options.
Impact on Population
In some African countries, the percentage of adults infected with HIV/AIDS reached over 15 percent as of 2008, and the situation had changed little by 2012. The epidemic has led to millions of deaths worldwide, with Africa being the most affected region, due to limited availability of medications to manage HIV.