RE: What Is Your Contribution To World AIDS Day 2017?

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RE: What Is Your Contribution To World AIDS Day 2017?

greenrun (66)in #worldaidsday • 8 years ago

Ok. That depends on the data they used in their calculation. I assumed Nigeria is 192 million, if I reduce that number the percentage goes higher. But between 1.8% to 3% is an alarming high rate of people infected. During your research, what particular thing did you discover to be the result of such high number of infected people?

8 years ago in #worldaidsday by greenrun (66)

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maryfavour (63) 8 years ago (edited)

Like you, in the past, I calculated prevalence rate dividing the number of PLWHAs by the total population of Nigerians. The number didn't tally with the one reported. I think the reason is that the subset of the population used for HIV sentinel survey, women attending antenatal clinic (ANC).

During your research, what particular thing did you discover to be the result of such high number of infected people?

Generally, there are factors that determine health. From our in-depth interview (IDI) sessions with patients (PLHAs), nurses, doctors etc at FMC Makurdi, we discovered the following

Socio-cultural factors e.g giving of wife as kola to a friend who visits
Poverty: this has made many remain in a relationship with a spouse/partner who exhibits risky sexual behaviour. No money to buy medications etc.
Ignorance of the various modes of transmission of HIV
Myths and misconceptions: It's always one witch or another that has killed a PLWHA.
Moral factor: Many believe that sexual intercourse is the only way through which HIV is transmitted. So whoever contracts HIV is a sinner.
Denial and Complacency: When PLWH are told that they've tested positive to the virus, they reject it in Jesus name Many whose risk factors of contracting HIV are high (maybe they have one or more sexually transmitted infections (STIs) will not even bother to go for HIV screening test.
Lack of access to treatment with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART): Coverage for treatment of PLWHAs have been low. It's getting better now with the recent National Health Policy.
General discrimination against PLWHAs

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greenrun (66) 8 years ago

That denial and complacency sounds like something that usually happens here.

I've always heard about the kola business which I still find hard to believe. But everyone can't be lying, so I guess it's true. But I doubt if that tradition is still happening as of now.

That poverty factor affects women more in particular and I still think it's a sad affair to watch one partner infect the other through risky lifestyle.

You did a thorough job as you just enumerated all the factors in one fell swoop. Thanks a lot.

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