More Than Just Regionality...

Looking across the world at where most STI's and disease in general are prevalent and you might see a disturbing trend. Most disease, from a geographical sense, seems to occur in the southern hemisphere of the world. Regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America. One might conclude that culture and region are the main factors in determining how likely a particular disease is. But you have to dig a little deeper to find the real cause.

The real cause is social and economic status. That is what it really comes down too. Look across the globe. Disease is rampant in third world countries. Countries struck with poverty and constant war are the ones that are affected greatly. Also resources, which ties into economic status, is another major issue when it comes to treatment. Why does it seem like here in the US and in Europe the prevalence of disease is lower than in Congo or Cambodia? Resources, treatment, and doctors. That's what makes the key difference. Also education is another part of the problem. Here in the US we second guess education and sometime think of it as unimportant. In Africa, without the proper education, how are they going to protect themselves? How will they know what will hurt them and what can protect them when they have never been taught? Its a dilemma that has a major domino effect.

I think we here in America take a stronger and more educated approach to disease and prevention than poorer region across the world. This obviously shows up in the statistics of disease and STI prevalence.