Aids In Africa Essay Example

pregnant women in South Africa are HIV-positive. The impact of AIDS in the country is staggering, leading to the orphaning of 370,952 children. Furthermore, 95,000 children have been infected with AIDS. The adult prevalence rate of HIV is 20%. In 1999, it is believed that approximately 4.2 million people were HIV positive, compared to around 3.6 million in 1998 (www.securethefuture.com).

The statistics highlight the urgent need for addressing the AIDS crisis, particularly among women and children. African women and children bear the brunt of this devastating disease. Currently, there are 16 million African children who have lost at least one parent to AIDS. Disturbingly, according to reports from Johannesburg medical agencies, this number is expected to rise to 28 million in the next decade. One heartbreaking testimony comes from Nkosi Johnson, an 11-year-old orphan who is also infected with HIV. He states, "I am a very lucky little boy, and I am living with a foster family, but I am strong and healthy. That's just what I want for all orphans to have" (www.cnn.com/health/aids). It is alarming that at ground zero of humanity's deadliest disease, AIDS remains a word that is not openly discussed.Relatives are reluctant to take in orphaned children, as they struggle to support their own families. Consequently, these children are placed in orphan camps. The lack of food supply leads to mothers breastfeeding their infants to prevent starvation. Unfortunately, this results in many children contracting infections. Women in this region often contract AIDS through sexual intercourse with their husbands or by being victims of rape. Due to the male-dominated culture, wives, girlfriends, and even prostitutes find it difficult to refuse sex. Cultural traditions

limit women's choices, as they are deemed promiscuous and ostracized if they request condom use. In South Africa, men hold the power when it comes to sex. Girls and women face coercion and punishment if they resist sexual advances. In certain areas, there is a belief that having sex with a virgin can cure an infected man, leading to 12-year-old girls becoming infected. Many men refuse AIDS testing until they become ill, unaware of their status and potentially spreading the infection to unsuspecting African women who then unknowingly transmit it to their children.In Johannesburg clinics, men were tested and found to have a close to 19% HIV rate. HIV infected women outnumber HIV infected men by a ratio of more than 6-to-5. According to www.usaid.gov/pop_health/aids/country, by the turn of the century, the epidemic will have left behind 11.2 million orphans. South Africa is considered the eye of the storm in terms of the AIDS epidemic, with 60 percent of men, 80 percent of women, and 90 percent of the children infected worldwide living in the South African region.

The statement of need is for a better understanding of the nature of the epidemic, as many people are not even aware of what the AIDS virus is. AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome and is known as HIV in its earlier stage. Although technically not a disease, it is often referred to as one. AIDS is an all-encompassing term for the various medical conditions that arise from a weakened immune system that can no longer fight infection (World Book encycl.163). Contrary to popular belief, people do not die directly from AIDS but rather from infections or

sometimes even from a common cold.

This epidemic is currently the most significant health and development issue faced by the world. Despite numerous books on the subject, many people still remain uninformed about what HIV is and how it spreads. It is important to understand that AIDS is primarily a biomedical condition. HIV belongs to a family of retroviruses that enter the bloodstream and attack the body's immune system, compromising its ability to fight infection.Scientists are uncertain about the origins, timeline, and location of this virus or when it initially infected humanity. There are numerous studies on its emergence, although this is not currently a primary concern. AIDS infects specific white blood cells, such as T-helper cells and macrophages, which have vital roles in the immune system. The virus binds to CD4 receptor molecules on the surface of these cells. AIDS enters CD4 cells and incorporates its own genes into the cell's reproductive system. The cell then generates more HIV, which spreads to other CD4 cells. Eventually, infected cells perish. The immune system attempts to produce more CD4 cells, but HIV destroys them as fast as they are created. Infected individuals experience various symptoms, including swollen lymph glands, fatigue, fever, loss of appetite and weight, diarrhea, yeast infections of the mouth and vagina, and night sweats. There are four stages of HIV infection: Acute Retroviral Syndrome, Seroconversion, the Asymptomatic period, and full-blown AIDS. HIV can be transmitted at all stages of infection, even in the absence of symptoms. The initial stage is called Acute Retroviral Syndrome. The body's initial immune response gains some control over the virus. This stage lasts up to three weeks, during which

up to 90% of people develop general symptoms typical of many viral infections (WorldBook encycl…163).The initial stage of HIV infection may present symptoms such as night sweats, fever, malaise, headaches, and enlarged lymph glands. At this stage, the infected person's blood will test positive for HIV antibodies, although the main symptoms may not appear for several years, sometimes even longer. During this period, the person typically maintains a normal amount of CD4 cells and retains considerable control over their immune system. This stage is known as Seroconversion, where the body develops antibodies to fight against HIV. Although the virus will ultimately prevail, the immune system can keep it in check for several years. The Seroconversion stage lasts 6 to 12 weeks, during which the antibodies are undetectable and a blood test will yield negative results. This critical time, often referred to as the "window period," is the most dangerous as a person can still transmit the virus despite testing negative for HIV. Once the antibodies are identified, the blood test will show positive results and Seroconversion will have occurred. While the presence of antibodies diminishes HIV concentrations, it does not completely eliminate the virus from the system, allowing the infected person to transmit it to others. This stage is also characterized by significant symptoms such as fatigue, enlarged lymph glands, yeast infections, skin rashes, and dental disease (WorldBook encycl.164).During this stage, the CD4 blood cells decrease, ranging from 500 to 200 CD4 cells per microliter of blood (WorldBook encycl.164). The subsequent stage, known as the Asymptomatic stage or the silent but deadly stage, is characterized by a generally healthy clinical state for individuals testing positive

for HIV. Throughout this stage, the virus gradually spreads throughout the body. Monitoring the CD4 cell count in the blood indicates the progression of the disease. A person without HIV typically has 700 to 1300 CD4 cells per milliliter of blood. As the virus spreads, it destroys CD4 cells. Towards the latter part of this stage, the body's CD4 cell count drops to a range of 300 to 200, signifying the final phase of the Asymptomatic stage. With a diminished count of CD4 cells, the body's ability to fight off infections weakens. An HIV positive individual may experience prolonged common colds during this stage. Thrush, shingles, tuberculosis accompanied by weight loss, diarrhea, fever, and fatigue are common symptoms (WorldBook encycl.164-165). In many developing nations, individuals may unknowingly progress through this stage without realizing they are infected with the virus. The final stage is referred to as full-blown AIDS. This stage indicates a CD4 cell count below 200 and leaves an individual vulnerable to infections such as drug-resistant pneumonia, tuberculosis, meningitis, and other bacterial infections (WorldBook encycl.164).During the transition from HIV to full blown AIDS, significant financial strain is placed upon individuals as medical costs escalate and job loss becomes common. The majority of deaths occur when CD4 cell levels decline below 50, at which point the body's ability to fight off infections is severely compromised, eventually resulting in death (WorldBook encycl.164). The transmission of HIV can occur through various means, including sexual intercourse, direct contact with infected blood, and transmission from an infected woman to her fetus or baby (WorldBook Encycl.164). In South Africa, sexual intercourse is the predominant mode of contracting AIDS. Sharing needles

during drug use also poses a risk for disease transmission. Additionally, mother-to-child transmission is prevalent in Johannesburg. Without a doubt, sexual intercourse serves as the primary method of HIV transmission in third world countries, accounting for the highest percentage of infections. The virus concentration is particularly high in the blood, secretions, and semen of infected individuals. All forms of sexual intercourse, including genital, anal, and oral sex can transmit HIV. Unfortunately, in this region of Africa, many men consider using sexual prophylactics to be taboo.Unprotected sex and blood-to-blood transmission are the primary methods of transmitting the virus. Sharing drug injection equipment is a major contributing factor to the high number of AIDS victims in Johannesburg. The act of sharing needles exposes individuals to direct contact with the virus as it enters their bloodstream. Unlike industrialized nations, third world countries have unsafe blood transfusions due to the lack of sophisticated screening mechanisms for ensuring HIV-negative blood products. Mother-to-child transmission is a significant concern in South Africa, occurring either through contact with infected blood in the uterus or through breastfeeding. It is estimated that approximately 50 to 65% of child infections occur during birth. Furthermore, the risk of infection persists even if infants escape transmission at birth since most South African women breastfeed their infants (source: www.cia/publication/factbook).A woman who has HIV can transmit the virus to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or while breastfeeding. Preventing HIV transmission to infants is a challenge, as there is a 1 in 4 chance of an infected mother having an infected baby. However, medical treatment with AZT during pregnancy can reduce this risk to 1 in 12 (www.cdcnpin.org).

To prevent transmission, it

is crucial for infected mothers to avoid breastfeeding and for the baby to receive AZT treatments in the early weeks of life. While this may decrease the number of infected children, it will not eliminate the problem entirely. Encouragement should be provided to mothers who suspect they may have the virus to get tested.

In South Africa, AIDS clinics have been established to educate people about the epidemic. Additionally, there are ongoing efforts to develop new intervention strategies and find an effective vaccine. Other prevention services being implemented globally include condom distribution, drug therapy, safe blood supplies, needle exchange programs, and various programs aimed at slowing the transmission of the virus.Some programs have developed strategies to improve HIV/AIDS prevention by treating those infected, providing care and support for affected families, and changing behavior. The main focus is on educating people about effective prevention methods, such as safe sex and the use of condoms. While abstinence is the only way to fully prevent sexual transmission of HIV, it is important to acknowledge that people may continue to have sex despite the risks. Therefore, it is encouraged to use latex condoms consistently and correctly, as they are most effective in preventing sexually transmitted diseases. Additionally, it is advised to check a partner’s sexual history before becoming sexually involved and to avoid sharing items that may contain blood, semen, or vaginal fluids.Despite all preventive measures, AIDS remains a significant issue in South Africa. Traditional prevention strategies rely on an audience that is receptive to AIDS education and taking action, which is not the case in many developing nations. People with AIDS are often stigmatized and excluded from their societies.

It is crucial to dismantle cultural taboos surrounding AIDS, which can be achieved by integrating AIDS-related themes into South Africa's popular culture. Only then will it be easier to address and combat the AIDS epidemic effectively. Establishing a platform for dialogue and awareness is the initial step towards making a change in a closed-minded society. If there is no alteration in lifestyles, the future of South Africa looks dim.The main cause of this epidemic is lack of knowledge, followed by poverty, underdevelopment, and the subordinate position of women. It is not only their behaviors that need to be changed, but also many of their traditions, beliefs, and customs. The epidemic has reached its peak, causing the average life expectancy in South Africa to drop from 65 to 56, and it is predicted to decrease to 30 in the next decade (www.cnn.com/health). According to the U.S. Census Bureau, by 2010 South Africa will have 71 million fewer people than it would have had without AIDS (www.cnn.com/health). Projections for 2010 indicate that the adult HIV prevalence rate will reach 25%. In the next ten years, it is expected that there will be 28 million AIDS-related orphans (www.cnn.com). It is estimated that every day for the next five years, 1600 babies will be born with HIV. After considering all of these alarming statistics, it becomes evident that traditional strategies and campaigns are insufficient, and a new approach must be considered.

Works Cited:
- "South Africa." CIA World Factbook. Online. Internet. 24 September 2001. http://www.cia.gov
- "Everyday Lifestyles." Rage: South African Street Culture Online. Online. Internet. 21 September 2001. http://www.rage.co.za
- Incepta Advertising. Online. Internet. 1 October 2001. http://www.incepta.co.uk
- WorldBook encyclopedia. (Vols.1,11).

Chicago, IL: World Book Inc. 2001
- Death Stalks A Continent.The New York Time Magazine Online, p.1-7. Available: Nexis File:NYT 7 October, 2001 HIV/AIDS Resources Online.1 October, 2001 Available: www.cdcnpin.org/hiv/faq/prevention.html AIDS prevention key to slowing epidemic Online.2 October, 2001 Available www.cnn.com/2000/Health/AIDS/0712/aids.prevention.HIV Prevalence In Five Country Regions Of AfricaOnline.3 October, 2001 Available: http://www.securethefuture.com/aidsin/data/aidsin.htm Words / Pages : 3,342 / 24