The document summarizes statistics about HIV/AIDS such as 1.7 million annual deaths, average lifespan of 24 years, and lifetime treatment costs of $600,000. It discusses the financial impact of treatment and three main causes of transmission: unprotected sex, blood contact, and mother-to-child. The worst affected areas are in Sub-Saharan Africa. The history of HIV/AIDS is outlined from its estimated arrival in Africa in 1884 to its detection and spread in the 1980s. Potential solutions proposed include increased government funding to support prevention, treatment, and research toward a cure.