The 1st of December is World AIDS Day, a day set
aside to remember those who have passed on, show support for those living with HIV/AIDS
and create awareness on HIV prevention.
HIV
was discovered in 1984 and since then, millions of people have died as a
result. According to the World Health Organization (2015), over 36 million
people are living with the virus worldwide and several interventions have been
put in place to ensure that these people can lead normal lives.
In
Nigeria, a lot of local and international organizations work to ensure
prevention, treatment and management services are available even in local
communities. These include services to ensure the use of Anti-Retroviral
Therapy (ART) - a combination of drugs to ensure that the growth of the virus
is prevented, slowing its progression, thereby slowing the disease. Other
interventions include formation of support groups to help patients share
challenges and a lot of positive ideas.
Another
wonderful intervention is the Prevention of Mother To Child Transmission
(PMTCT) programme which ensures that mothers do not transmit the virus to their
children during pregnancy, childbirth and afterwards; thereby preserving future
generations. This helps decrease morbidity and mortality due to HIV in infants.
A
huge challenge is stigmatization, which makes people avoid those with the virus
for fear of contracting same. Another is non-adherence to treatment. Sometimes
patients get frustrated and as a result of inadequate funds and access to
treatment centers, a lot of them give up; some others get into denial or bouts
of hopelessness and stop taking their medication. Ignorance also poses a
serious threat because people who lack information are prone to believe
anything they are told, including the misconception that everyone with HIV/AIDS
must die.
Today,
a lot of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Civil Society Organizations
(CSO)and government establishments are holding rallies to support people living
with HIV/AIDS and enlighten the general public on prevention. They are also
encouraging people to stop stigmatization and suggesting ways through which
support can be given to people living with HIV/AIDS
Copyright (C) 2016 Omonefe
Oisedebamen Eruotor
Published first by the author on ConnectNigeria
website 1/12/16
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