AIDS: An Illness Decimating Society
It is a warm Sunday morning. Inside the youth room at church, two high school ministry leaders chat. One of them, Daniel, was away sick for two months, and the other, Marcus, is teasing him for it. “What kind of sickness kept you away for two months? AIDS?” he jokes. As the high schoolers laugh, it becomes apparent how unaware everyone is about AIDS, especially in South Africa.
South Africa is experiencing the worst AIDS epidemic around the world. In 2013, more than 200,000 people died from AIDS (“HIV”), nearly a quarter of all the deaths in South Africa that year. AIDS prevalence around the world averages 0.8% for adults, but in South Africa, it is about 18% (“Film”). And while efforts are being made to combat AIDS, the infection rate continues to increase every year: 5.6 million people had AIDS in 2009 (“Film”), but after four years, 6.3 million people were living with AIDS (“HIV”).
The unsophisticated economy in South Africa promotes unprotected sex, which leads to the spread of AIDS. Since there is a deficiency of experts in the math, science, and engineering fields (Cleary), the economy is restricted and unable to grow. People are forced to become sex workers in order to make money and support their families. A report in 2010 estimated that sex work was responsible for 19.8% of new HIV infections (HIV). In addition, AIDS prevalence for the younger population of South Africa has decreased over the years; this is attributed to their inclination towards using condoms (HIV/AIDS), which reduces the risk of contracting HIV. However, AIDS is still a problem in South Africa, and one that is seen in the majority of the population due to the harsh economy.
Knowledge is power -- or in this case, prevention. A survey in South Africa revealed that people with better education and a superior job are more likely to get HIV testing (HIV), reducing their chances of dying from AIDS. A survey by the Human Science Research Council reported that the number of AIDS infections rose 1.6% from 2008 to 2012, but at the same time, knowledge about AIDS decreased by 3.5% (Malan). Both surveys highlight the power of education and the value in raising awareness. The majority of the people who have AIDS are people like sex workers, who have a lower level of education, a worse form of employment, and a diminished perception of risk. But by teaching people about AIDS and how to prevent it, it is possible to both decrease AIDS prevalence in South Africa and help the economy grow. Having a higher-level education available to everyone will enable them to attain better jobs and help develop the economy. This will eliminate low-level jobs like prostitution, thus reducing the chances of contracting AIDS.
Some people believe that the problem in South Africa is too big to overcome, but it is clear that the majority of the people aspire to help. Multiple efforts to fight AIDS have been made, and while not all have been successful, they have contributed to the fight in one way or another. A variety of programs offer antiretroviral treatments to prolong the lifespans of people living with AIDS. While initially low, the number of treatments given out has gradually increased, resulting in 100,000 fewer AIDS-related deaths in 2011 (HIV/AIDS). Many TV shows and radio programs about AIDS have also aired in South Africa, leading to more positive behavior and better knowledge (“HIV”). With enough time and effort, everyone around the world will know about the full effects of AIDS, including people like Marcus and Daniel.
The unsophisticated economy in South Africa promotes unprotected sex, which leads to the spread of AIDS. Since there is a deficiency of experts in the math, science, and engineering fields (Cleary), the economy is restricted and unable to grow. People are forced to become sex workers in order to make money and support their families. A report in 2010 estimated that sex work was responsible for 19.8% of new HIV infections (HIV). In addition, AIDS prevalence for the younger population of South Africa has decreased over the years; this is attributed to their inclination towards using condoms (HIV/AIDS), which reduces the risk of contracting HIV. However, AIDS is still a problem in South Africa, and one that is seen in the majority of the population due to the harsh economy.
Knowledge is power -- or in this case, prevention. A survey in South Africa revealed that people with better education and a superior job are more likely to get HIV testing (HIV), reducing their chances of dying from AIDS. A survey by the Human Science Research Council reported that the number of AIDS infections rose 1.6% from 2008 to 2012, but at the same time, knowledge about AIDS decreased by 3.5% (Malan). Both surveys highlight the power of education and the value in raising awareness. The majority of the people who have AIDS are people like sex workers, who have a lower level of education, a worse form of employment, and a diminished perception of risk. But by teaching people about AIDS and how to prevent it, it is possible to both decrease AIDS prevalence in South Africa and help the economy grow. Having a higher-level education available to everyone will enable them to attain better jobs and help develop the economy. This will eliminate low-level jobs like prostitution, thus reducing the chances of contracting AIDS.
Some people believe that the problem in South Africa is too big to overcome, but it is clear that the majority of the people aspire to help. Multiple efforts to fight AIDS have been made, and while not all have been successful, they have contributed to the fight in one way or another. A variety of programs offer antiretroviral treatments to prolong the lifespans of people living with AIDS. While initially low, the number of treatments given out has gradually increased, resulting in 100,000 fewer AIDS-related deaths in 2011 (HIV/AIDS). Many TV shows and radio programs about AIDS have also aired in South Africa, leading to more positive behavior and better knowledge (“HIV”). With enough time and effort, everyone around the world will know about the full effects of AIDS, including people like Marcus and Daniel.
Cleary, Sean. "AIDS in South Africa." Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Gale Cengage Learning, Apr. 1999. Web. 7 Mar. 2016.
"Film Reflection- YESTERDAY: The Snowball Effect of HIV/AIDS in South Africa." QU South Africa. WordPress, 01 Mar. 2012. Web. 9 Mar. 2016.
"HIV and AIDS in South Africa." HIV and AIDS in South Africa | AVERT. AVERT, 1 May 2015. Web. 06 Mar. 2016.
Malan, Mia. "SA Has Highest Number of New HIV Infections Worldwide - Survey." The M&G Online. Disqus, 1 Apr. 2014. Web. 09 Mar. 2016.
I really liked your article! I liked how you provided a ton of interesting facts that made your paragraphs flow nicely and how you were able to analyze them very well. My main take away is that people in South Africa are unaware of AIDS/HIV as they have bene treating it as if it was not important and okay.
ReplyDeleteI really love how your article is full of facts and statistics, it really strengthens your argument! Wow, 18% of the population in South Africa has AIDS? That's pretty serious! Has this rate increased or decreased over the years in the general population?
ReplyDeleteMy favorite aspect of your article is how you looked at the economy as a factor to the spread of AIDS, which I have never considered. It sounds like the spread of AIDS can be prevented through awareness. Are there examples in other countries of the economy being expanded by the influence of STEM based jobs?
ReplyDeleteI really liked how you used statistics in the "extent of issue" part of your article. Your article has helped me learn more about the AIDS pandemic, and the numbers you provide clearly show how severe the issue is. What is preventing the African people from getting the necessary education?
ReplyDelete