Over the past three decades, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and human immunodeficiency virus have claimed the lives of many women and men in Africa, while infecting their unborn children. Is enough being done to eradicate this disease in Africa, and will the cost of these treatments limit those who do not have the disposable income to afford these drugs? Scientists and researchers have worked over the years to find a cure or vaccine for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and human immunodeficiency virus, but it remains the most incurable infection in the world. “There are now several promising drug therapies that are far too expensive for poor countries” (Economist, Vol. 344, Issue 8036). Scientists are working on several drugs that could help in the fight against AIDS. “One of the therapy researchers has been working on a vaginal gel that could reduce the risk of infection with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, by almost 40 percent,” (Dugger). Although the gel is not perfect, it offers women a way to protect themselves even without the cooperation of their male partner. Research into this new drug has suffered a setback; the trial was halted in Africa when it appeared that women receiving the HIV gel were infected at a higher rate than those receiving the placebo. They acknowledged that women were not using the gel as regularly as claimed. Women make up half of the 33 million people living with HIV worldwide and 60 percent of new cases are in sub-Saharan Africa, where gender is the main factor. mode of transmission. “Trials of the new drugs have sparked controversy among groups of women who are receiving various experimental... middle of article ...... moving closer to a cure for AIDS. In addition to drug therapy, education seems to be the key to eradicating AIDS in Africa. Education is sometimes difficult due to language and religious barriers. The challenge for AIDS organizations and people around the world is to finance drug treatment for all who need it while reducing the number of new infections. Works Cited “Economist”, Vol. 344, issue 8036, p 19-19 2/8p, September 2011 “AIDS in Africa” Gier, Nick, “HIV-AIDS in Southern Africa: the highest infection rates in the world Murphy, Tim, “Inside the HIV Fight” “Advocate”; Number 998 p 34-37, 4p December 2011 “New York Times”; p26, Op, July 2011 “A promising prevention” Pisani, Elizabeth, “HIV” “New Scientist”; Flight. 21, number 2828, p 8-8p, September 2011Wilson, Clare, “How to end AIDS” “New Scientist”; Flight. 201, number 2696, p38-41, 4p, February 2011