Advocacy for AfricaUN Millennium Development Goal: “Have stopped by 2015 and begun to reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS” (“ United Nations Millennium Development Goals.” UN News Center, nd Web 13 May 2014. http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/aids.shtml). HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus, causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV is a disease that attacks the human immune system. It can be transmitted through sexual contact, during pregnancy/childbirth/breastfeeding, through contaminated needles or syringes, and through contact with infected blood. There is currently no cure for HIV because it mutates rapidly and develops resistance to all medications used against HIV. Although there is no vaccine to cure HIV, antiretroviral drugs are used to provide treatment that slows the reproduction of the virus. They also allow the infected person to live longer. On the other hand, these medications are very expensive and must be used daily. HIV is one of the leading causes of death, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. In fact, of the 34 million HIV-positive people worldwide, 69% live in sub-Saharan Africa (“11 Facts about HIV in Africa.” DoSomething.org. Np, nd Web. May 13, 2014. https://beta.dosomething .org/facts/11-facts-about-hiv-africa). Due to the alarming HIV prevalence rate in Africa, the UN adopted a Millennium Development Goal to stop the spread of HIV with a target date of 2015. Across Africa. , treatment has become more accessible, but the epidemic remains a major global public health problem. Furthermore, the HIV/AIDS pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa has economic consequences that push people further into poverty and hinder Africa's critical needs. development. South Africa is the worst affected region...... middle of document ...... y year ("Funding for HIV and AIDS." HIV and AIDS information and resources. Np , nd Web May 13, 2014. http://www.avert.org/funding-hiv-and-aids.htm). It is essential that the most developed countries increase their funds to improve treatment and prevention campaigns. Money funding the fight against HIV in South Africa may be used to finance generic drugs rather than antiretroviral (ARV) drugs. The difference between the two is that generic drugs are cheaper. If South Africa began replacing ARVs with generic drugs, then these drugs would be more accessible to the public and could accelerate the UN's goal of universal access. However, in 2009, total global funding began to decline, and if the UN is to meet the 2015 Millennium Development Goals for HIV/AIDS prevention and universal access to treatment, it must increase the amount of funds..