Issues in Africa Today

HIV/AIDS AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); it destroys a type of defense cell in the body that is an important part of the body's immune system People with the virus begin to get serious infections that they normally wouldn’t - the name for this condition is acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV/AIDS is transferred through blood

http://www.time.com/time/interactive/0,31813,2021888,00.html

Hunger Hunger occurs when there is extreme poverty in an area – not having enough money or trade goods for food Many aspects of hunger: malnutrition & starvation just a few

Poverty Levels Worldwide

Hunger in Southern Africa

Water Shortage Low levels of freshwater, often caused by drought throughout Africa

Endangered Species Illegal killing of animals very high in Africa

Malaria Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by a parasite that commonly infects a certain type of mosquito which feeds on humans. People who get malaria are typically very sick with high fevers, shaking chills, and flu-like illness.

Child Soldiers Children are kidnapped and trained to be soldiers to help fight in rebel armies

Piracy Pirates have become a major threat over the years off of the coast of Somalia. The pirates claim to defend their waters, but have been taking hostages and killing sailors.

Genocide Systematic killing of a racial or ethnic group

Rwanda

Darfur

War over Resources Many natural resources have caused countries and rebel troops to fight over rights – especially oil