Final answer:
Since the discovery of AIDS in 1981, over 60 million people have contracted HIV and more than 35 million have died from AIDS-related illnesses. Despite a decrease in new infections and deaths due to antiretroviral treatments, the number of people living with HIV/AIDS remains high, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Step-by-step explanation:
The HIV/AIDS epidemic has had a profound impact on global health history. Since the identification of AIDS in 1981, more than 60 million people have been infected with HIV worldwide, and AIDS has resulted in the death of over 35 million people. Sub-Saharan Africa has been especially hard-hit, with HIV/AIDS emerging as the leading cause of death among certain age groups and within some countries in the region. Recent years have seen some progress, with new infections declining and antiretroviral treatments reducing the number of deaths. However, the number of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) continues to rise due to longer survival rates, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
As of 2007, the United Nations reported approximately 33 million PLWHA globally, with most cases occurring in Sub-Saharan Africa. The high rate of infection in this region can be attributed to multiple factors including poverty, inadequate access to healthcare, and a greater prevalence of other contributing health issues. Moreover, economic constraints limit the availability of effective HIV medications in the hardest hit areas, like Africa, compared to more developed countries such as the United States.