AIDS in Africa
By: Cara Lane Charlet, Jamie Webb, & Emma Conde
What is AIDS?
AIDS (Acquired immune deficiency syndrome or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is a disease caused by a virus called HIV (Human immunodeficiency Virus). The illness alters theimmune system, making the people much more vulnerable to infections and diseases. Yhis susceptibility worsens as the disease progresses.
How is AIDS spread?
AIDS is a sexuall transmited disease. The disease can be spread from one infected person to another from sharing needles and razors. AIDS is totally preventable. Never share dirty needles or come in contact with bodily fluids that spread HIV.
Two Ukrainian girls raising awareness for AIDS.
Symptoms:
Some symptoms of AIDS are rapid weight loss, swollen glands, heavy sweating at night, and frequent fevers...
Effects on children because of HIV/AIDS
Many children in Africa have been orphaned because of this disease. Worldwide, it is estimated that 16 million children under the age of 18 have been orphaned by AIDS. 14.8 million of these children live in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Why is AIDS so bad in Africa?
AIDS are bad in Africa because of the inaction of leaders, more commercial sex workers, poor education, awareness, and poverty rates. People do not have access to well trained doctors in Africa. Most of Africa struggles to control this pandemic.
Treatment
AIDS is an uncurable disease. However, symptoms can be treated. Since AIDS is a autoimmune disease, AIDS itself does not kill people. The AIDS weaken a persons immune system and any sickness developed after a person is infected with AIDS can be deadly. Medicines that are used to help a person's immune system can have many negative effects and can sometimes make a person more sick. Scientist rapidly continue to search for a cure for AIDS.
A baby recently cured of AIDS?
Doctors claim that they have cured a baby of AIDS by starting agressive treatment the day after the child was born. To read more about this news breaking story visit the website link below.