HIV or Diarrhoea?

The number of deaths caused worldwide by HIV/AIDS is estimated to be 2.8 million per annum. Infectious diseases, cause almost 5 million deaths out of which diarrhoeal diseases alone account for 2 million. It is therfore surprising that while almost $7-8 billion are spent in stoppping the epidemic of AIDS, diarrhoea hardly even gets a mention. The global investment on HIV related vaccine research alone was close to $1 billion in 2006. Improving sanitation levels in the developing countries and educating people about hygiene can prevent most mortality caused by diarrhoea. The UN recognised this last year and decided to call 2008 'The international year of sanitation'. It is imperative that this initiative be treated seriously and spending increased to allow effective implementation. Wouldn't it be better to spend funds to setup toilets and provide clean water and save lives now than investigating a cure that could save lives some years later. Providing improved sanitation is not just about saving lives, it improves standard of living. More importantly, it reduces child and infant mortality and allows the community to prosper. AIDS mortality is on the rise and efforts must be definitely taken to stop its progress. But at the same time we should not neglect the other major diseases worldwide, especially those that can be countered with simple solutions.