HIV/AIDS Prevention Learning Scenario
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HIV/AIDS Prevention Learning Scenario
The Human immunodeficiency virus and the acquired immune deficiency syndrome raises numerous ethical issues because of the various issues surrounding the topic. HIV/AIDS is mostly associated with the poor and sex trade. The marginalization of those affected slows development and makes education paramount. The symposium aim was to brainstorm on how to stop the fast spread of HIV/AIDS in Africa. According to the world health organization (WHO), the number of new infections in 2012 was estimated at 2.3 million (WHO, 2017). This is about 6,300 new infections daily which are alarming.
Dr. Meadow argues that it is critical to introduce condoms in Africa. She cites that condom reduces the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS tenfold. She also states it is crucial to tackle resistance issues along the supply chain. In her opinion, education alone does not suffice to address the problem. Dr. Williams also agrees with Meadow that condom use is essential. She acknowledges that the resistance in the condom supply chain needs to be addressed citing that charitable organization refuses to supply condoms because of religious concerns. However, she argues that mandatory testing, though intrusive, is a practical way of preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS. Dr. Williams purports that when people are aware of their status, they start treatment early and also reduce the rate of transmission. Dr. Meadow disagrees pointing out that mandatory testing subjects those positive to stigma and affects their life. It also infringes on the fundamental human rights such as consent.
I agree with Dr. Meadow that the use of condoms is essential in the prevention of HIV/AIDS. Statistics show that condom use increase with awareness (Ngugi et al., 1988). I also agree that the concept of mandatory testing put forth by Williams is indeed an intrusion and an infringement of fundamental human rights. I also agree that while education is essential, it does not suffice. The fight against HIV/AIDS requires the involvement of all stakeholders. Condoms have proved successful in preventing HIV/AIDS transmission in Africa (Schaalma et al., 2009). Therefore, I believe that those who resist to supply condoms are being hypocritical given that the issue of HIV/AIDS already exists and requires as much attention as it can get.
References
Ngugi, E. N., Simonsen, J. N., Bosire, M., Ronald, A. R., Plummer, F. A., Cameron, D. W., ... & Ndinya-Achola, J. O. (1988). Prevention of transmission of human immunodeficiency virus in Africa: effectiveness of condom promotion and health education among prostitutes. The Lancet, 332(8616), 887-890.
Schaalma, H. et al. (2009). Correlates of intention to use condoms among Sub-Saharan African youth: the applicability of the theory of planned behaviour. Scandinavian journal of public health, 37(2_suppl), 87-91.
WHO. (2017). HIV/AIDS. World Health Organization. Retrieved 5 October 2017, from http://www.who.int/gho/hiv/en/Top of FormBottom of FormTop of FormBottom of Form