The tragedy of it

As far as I am aware it is commonly known that the continent of Africa has an very high HIV/AIDS rate, with many of its countries ranking amongst the highest in the world. I was surprised, therefore, to find out in a conversation the other day, that the HIV infection rate in South Sudan is only 2%, largely, apparently because of the recent war. However, the person I was talking to went on to say that increasing prosperity in the region, now that the war is formally over, will probably lead to an increase in HIV infection rates. So one tragedy will end and another begin, just when things should be looking up for the people of that part of the world. I find that incredibly profound and incredibly sad. To me, it just shows how much the gospel is needed even in places where to worldly eyes it may seem like things can only get better.