Ways of Combating HIV/AIDS

Since the early 1980s, HIV/AIDS has gradually taken a hold on the world especially on sub-Saharan Africa increasing health and welfare expenditure, reducing employment and household security and potentially slowing economic growth. An estimated 2.8 million persons died from AIDS in 2005 alone, 4.1 million were newly infected with HIV and 38.6 million were living with HIV.

HIV/AIDS has reached such proportions that it must be recognized as a serious global development issue with tragic human implications. It affects mainly young and middle -age adults in their prime productive and reproductive years. As such, it has potentially more serious consequences on development than any other epidemic in recent history. Below are some of the ways which may help to combat this deadly scourge.

The AIDS epidemic globally calls for high level of commitment from Governments to introduce effective measures to ensure that the epidemic is contained and that people and communities who are infected have care and support. Governments must emabark on the process of formulating comprehensive national HIV/AIDS policies. These AIDS policies should attempt to address a wide range of concerns related to health social welfare, economic impact, human rights, culture, community development and other issues. To achieve effective policies, highly consultative processes are required. Consultations with a wide range of people including people living with Aids, churches, women's groups, professionals, members of the public and others has to be done.

Governments, NGOs, Churches e.t.c. should embark on a thorough campaign to educate people on Aids, its effects, ways of transmission and ways of preventing oneself from contracting it. More emphasis should be put on the ABC's of slowing down the spread of Aids i.e. Abstinence, Being faithful or Condom use.

For those people who cannot abstain from sex or be faithful to one sexual partner, condom use among them should be encouraged. Male and female condoms are an effective means of reducing HIV transmission. Condoms should be made accessible and affordable to sexually active individuals. Different channels for distributing condoms e.g. dispensing machines in bars, clinics, lodgings e.t.c should be set up. All condoms should meet international defined standards through regular control measures. Where possible, proper instructions and information on condom use should be provided.

Bad behaviors like having multiple sexual partners and wife inheritance and polygamy must be discouraged. This is because such behaviors aid in spreading the virus. Behavioral change among such people must be preached.

More people should be educated on the importance of visiting VCTs (Voluntary Counseling and Testing) centers to know their HIV Status i.e. positive or negative.

We should also endeavor to reduce the stigmatization of people living with HIV/AIDS in our homes and at our work places. People should be taught how to positively live with people with Aids, how to take care of them and how to nurse them. Stigmatization and discrimination of people living with Aids should be a criminal offence punishable in courts of laws.

STIs (sexually Transmitted Diseases) significantly facilitate the transmission of HIV. Women are particularly vulnerable to STIs (and consequently HIV infection) because their socially disadvantaged position inhibits them from reporting and seeking treatment for STIs and negotiating for safer sex. Early diagnosis and effective treatment of STIs should be made available at all levels of the health care system.

Transfusion with contaminated blood is a well known vehicle for transmission of HIV. All donated blood should be screened using approved methods. Methods of screening donated blood should be up-dated with changes in technology. Those people at high risk of HIV infection should be discouraged from donating blood.

All people with Aids should be given professional health care either in hospitals or at home. More hospital/clinic based care or nursing care, home based care, counseling services by professional and volunteers should be offered to support and care for chronically and terminally ill patients.

All health workers in public and private health care delivery system should be provided with appropriate training in HIV/AIDS education, counseling and management.

ARVs (antiretroviral) should be provided either free of charge or at an affordable cost to HIV/AIDS patients.

Positive living should be encouraged as a means of prolonging the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS.

Good nutritional habits should be promoted including information on vitamins and minerals.

All Aids patients should be educated about their rights.

In the HIV/AIDS scourge, remember that you have to do your part in fighting the disease. You are either infected or affected by the scourge