For-profit corporations invest large amounts of money in global health R&D to develop novel treatments, drugs, and vaccines for neglected diseases. However, of the $157 billion spent on global health R&D annually, only $471 million goes to neglected tropical diseases. More investment is needed to improve health conditions in the developing world.
One critical illness affecting the developing world is HIV/AIDS. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks cells of the immune system, rendering them vulnerable to infections and diseases. As the disease progresses, those infected become increasingly ill, ultimately culminating in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It is estimated that nearly 36.7 million people globally were infected with HIV/AIDS in 2016 according to UNAIDS.
