**2. Global HIV population distribution pattern with emphasis on Africa**

The global population of the virus infection has maintained an alarming rate, with record values of more than 34 million people currently living with HIV [1,2] compared to less than 30 million observed in 2002 [3]. The geographical spread of the disease has been astronomical in sub-Saharan Africa, with Nigeria having an estimated amount of 8% of the total global burden of the infection [4].

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The distribution and spread of the infection globally is entirely non-uniform and nonhomogenous, with more concentrated cases (over 70%) of occurrence observed in Africa alone [5] (Figure 1A/1B and Figure 2). This estimate is extremely significant, given the fact that Africa accommodates approximately 15.3% of the world population [6]. As previously observed in the global spread of the disease, correlation between disease prevalence and social behaviours such as sexual practices and use of intravenous drugs are existential. The spread of infection in Africa is more pronounced and is relative to cultural practices. For example, HIV population is seen to be least prevalent in the northern African countries and the Middle East (Figure 2), which are typically known to practice less of cultural deeds that predispose individuals to HIV infection. Conversely, the spread is dramatically highest in the southern region of the continent [3] where HIV infection appears to have been densely concentrated amongst injection drug users, gays, sex workers, partners of sex workers, etc. [7]. Not only is the prevalence of the disease highest in Africa per global scale, but the rate of rise of occurrence has also been astronomical on the continent, with estimated seven-fold increase in the number of occurrences between 2005 and 2012 [4].

Data presented in Figures 1A and 1B are based on 2014 ECDC report [8], 2014 UN women report [9], and 2014 UN‐ AIDS Gap report [10]

**Figure 1.** (A) Regional HIV Population distribution pattern expressed as relative percentage based on 2013 data. (B): Regional HIV Population distribution based on 2013 data.
