Crisis in Africa: HIV/AIDS

What is HIV\AIDS? HIV- Human Immunodeficiency Virus – HIV attacks the T-cells in the body which are needed to help fight off infections – HIV uses these cells to make copies of itself – When HIV destroys many of these cells it becomes AIDS AIDS: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome is the final stage of HIV infection. – Once diagnosed with AIDS, medical intervention and treatment are needed to prevent death

When and Where did it first emerge? Scientists believe HIV came from a particular kind of chimpanzee in western Africa. It was transmitted to humans and mutated into HIV when humans hunted these chimpanzees for meat and came into contact with their infected blood. Over decades, the virus slowly spread across Africa and later into other parts of the world.

How it spread? AIDS first emerged in the U.S. in the 1980’s. Africa was a colonized continent at the time who elicited major travel to and from. The first appearance of AIDS in the Western hemisphere was in the country of Haiti. AIDS can be transmitted through: – Sexual contact – Pregnancy – Injection drug use – Blood transfusion

Spread in Africa Subordinate position of Women Impoverishment and decline of social services Wars and conflicts Prostitution HIV/AIDS has become a vicious cycle

Sub-Saharan Africa – Adults and Children living with HIV/AIDS 29.4 million – Adults and children newly infected with AIDS 3.5 million – Women account for 58% of all people living with HIV/AIDS in the region. Highest percentage of people with HIV/AIDS in the world

Why do you think that the deaths related to AIDS in Africa is high?

Effects of AIDS in Africa Orphans – The estimated of children orphaned by AIDS living in the region is 11 million Loss of skilled labor workforce Increase in poverty levels Low education Lack of adequate health care Prostitution

Government reaction Educate health care personnel – Infection control precautions Work against stigma and discrimination – One of the first women to admit to AIDS was stoned to death in AIDS Watch Africa (international organization) – Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda Peer education on health care AIDS research

Think about it! How is prevention a public health issue? Is the government doing enough to prevent and halt the spread of AIDS? What else do you believe can be done?