In South Africa, an estimated 5.7
million people live with HIV. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HIV/AIDS_in_South_Africa)
This is more than any other country in the world, and those infected are
primarily black: while 13.6% of black South Africans are HIV-positive, only .03%
of white South Africans are. Sadly, deaths from AIDS has resulted in
approximately 1.2 Million orphaned children in South Africa. The infection rate
in South Africa is staggering, at over 15% of the population.
In the past, South Africa’s
leaders have denied tried to deny that there is a problem with HIV or AIDS in
the country. Former South African President Thabo Mbeki denied that HIV was
causing AIDS, and the Health Ministry hesitated to provide anti-retroviral
drugs as treatment for those living with HIV. In 2006, the Health Minister
Manto Tshabalala-Msimang even proposed a diet of garlic, olive oil, and lemon
as a cure for AIDS. Such attitudes and policies have contributed to the deaths
of over 300,000 South Africans.
Despite long-term denial, many
governments in Sub-Saharan Africa are now working towards a solution to the HIV/AIDS
epidemic. The percentage of people receiving anti-retroviral treatment has
increased dramatically, and efforts are being made to educate people on how the
disease is spread and how it can be prevented. One of the biggest problems is combating
people’s “fatigue” on the subject- many are tired of hearing about the disease
since it has been such a widespread issue for so long.
It’s sad that so many people in
Africa are sick, but it’s even sadder that so many children have been orphaned.
Hopefully, the continuing work to advance education and treatment will prevent
so many children from becoming orphans in the future.
Xoxo,
Diana
No comments:
Post a Comment