Inspiration: Herpes Simplex Virus-2 (HSV-2) is the cause of Genital Herpes, a lifelong and contagious disease characterized by recurring painful and fluid-filled sores. Transmission occurs through contact with fluids from the sores of the infected person during oral, anal, and vaginal sex; transmission can occur in asymptomatic carriers. HSV-2 is a global public health issue with an estimated 400 million people infected worldwide and 20 million new cases annually - 1/3 of which take place Africa (2012). HSV-2 will increase the risk of acquiring HIV by 3 fold, profoundly affect the psychological well being of the individual, and pose as a devastating neonatal complication. The social ramifications of HSV-2 are enormous. The social stigma of sexual transmitted diseases (STDs) and the taboo of confiding others means that patients are often left on their own, to the detriment of their sexual partners. In Africa, the lack of healthcare professionals further exacerbates this problem. Further, the 2:1 ratio of female to male patients is reflective of the gender inequality where women are ill-informed and unaware of their partners' condition or their own. Most importantly, the symptoms of HSV-2 are often similar to various other dermatological issues which are less severe, such as common candida infections and inflammatory eczema. It's very easy to dismiss Genital Herpes as these latter conditions which are much less severe and non-contagious.
Log in or sign up for Devpost to join the conversation.