Preventing HIV/AIDS
The key to dealing with HIV/AIDS globally is prevention. While many medical experts believe that a vaccine will curb the spread of HIV, until the day arrives when a suitable vaccine is developed, we have to rely on sex education and HIV/AIDS awareness to reduce the number of infections. The approach to HIV/AIDS prevention focuses on three core principles :
The HIV/AIDS pandemic in South Africa seems set to continue with government’s education campaigns making little difference to the spread of HIV. The high infection rate, notably among adults in the 20 to 45 year age gap, means that this disease is now affecting South Africa’s economy as workers take more sick days or return to the homestead after battling HIV for years. While there is no cure for HIV/AIDS, there are numerous suitable therapeutic options to reduce the severity of symptoms, delay the onset of opportunistic infections and prolong the lifespan of the HIV/AIDS sufferer.
Emergency contraceptive pills often referred to as the “morning after pill” is a commonly used method to prevent pregnancy after sexual intercourse. Emergency contraceptive pills were developed to be used prior to sexual intercourse but can be effective up to 72 hours after intercourse warranting the common name, “morning after” pill. The widespread use of the morning after pill in South Africa is a cause for concern as it indicates that suitable methods of STD (sexually transmitted disease) prevention, like condoms, is not being utilized consistently given the high HIV/AIDS prevalence within the country.
