Some of the drugs approved for the treatment of HIV/AIDS have not been approved for pediatric use.
Out of the 11 drugs currently approved for the treatment of HIV/AIDS, only 6 are approved for pediatric use- AZT, ddl, d4T, 3TC, Norvir, and Viracept. Retrovir like many experimental drugs has some very dangerous side effects like damage of the bone marrow and increased susceptibility of people who use it. AZT treatment costs approximately $550 per woman during her pregnancy, and about $47 per woman during labor and delivery. The approximate cost for HIV/AIDS related tests to the woman during her pregnancy are $120. The estimated annual cost for an HIV infected child is $9,400 and after they develop AIDS is $38,000. HIV is not only deadly; it is expensive to treat.
Individuals with lower incomes and lower education are at risk of the HIV/AIDS infection. HIV/AIDS is spreading rapidly in many countries and some medical authorities fear that over 110 million people worldwide will be infected with HIV by the year 2000. I think AIDS is a scary disease and more people should be educated about AIDS. Another place to find information on AIDS is the CDC National AIDS clearing house.
