Abstract This essay takes an in-depth look at the "opt-out" rescue plan for Africa, antiretrovirals for Africans suffering from HIV/AIDS. The paper reports that diseases such as AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis have exacerbated Africans' plight by claiming millions of more African lives and leaving a comparable number of families crippled without the main income-provider and/or busy taking care of sick relatives.
Outline:
Introduction
The AIDS Problem and Economy
The Plan
Pros to the People and Government
Cons to the People and Government
Pros and Cons to the Health Care Providers
Pros and Cons to Pharmaceuticals
Pros and Cons to the United States
Conditions for the Plan
Other Plans of Helping the African Economy and AIDS Crisis and How They Fail
Conclusion
From the Paper "Some say if there was hell on earth Africa would be it. For centuries, civil wars arising from corrupt governments and disputes over scarce resources have killed hundreds of thousands and displaced tens of millions more. This past century, diseases such as AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis have exacerbated Africans' plight by claiming millions of more African lives and leaving a comparable number of families crippled without the main income-provider and/or busy taking care of sick relatives. These problems has seriously undermine the productivity of the African economy and has created a cruel reinforcing cycle where poverty has lead to more sickness from inability to obtain treatment and has made opportunities for corruption and civil unrest to thrive, which then increases poverty even more. In 2003, Africa's GDP per capita was the lowest at $1000, while the next continent's (Asia) GDP per capita earner took in at least double that amount; the United States was the highest at $28,000. Signs of economic recovery are showing as GDP per capita has increased some these past two years, but is still very weak1. There are many options in treating the problem, but it seems that only one is best in correcting it. I contend that in order for Africa to dig itself out of its economic and social decadence, it should attack the HIV/AIDS crisis through free mandatory "opt-out" testing, treatment, and counseling in hard hit HIV/AIDS area where there is an adequate health system to carry out the AIDS plan effectively and are in countries with little or any political corruption."
Abstract This paper reviews the literature and discusses the significant question that concerns health care providers up to the present day - that of the psychological and social effect of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on patients. It describes the use of HAART for patients with HIV/AIDS and the impact that it has had on their treatment. The paper then compares the studies and discusses their results.
From the Paper "This study corroborated with the other study, albeit on a more detailed level, the overwhelming factors associated with patient characteristics versus the advent of HAART. These studies showed that, in spite of the breakthroughs in HIV/AIDS treatment starting in 1996, there were several intrinsic patient factors that were previous and grossly underestimated in their influence on HIV/AIDS treatment. It is evident that from these two studies that psychosocial distress in the various forms outlined in the second study adversely affected the initial impact of HAART. It should be noted that, in being a chronic disease, the progression of HIV/AIDS is insidious and can be easily overshadowed by the more immediate concerns of living such as poverty, substance and single parenthood. In addition, these studies have shown that the impact of the disease on patients cannot be contained within a strictly clinical framework. In the previous mindset that new therapies may positively affect patient behavior, this has been cast into serious doubt as psychosocial factors can affect behavior-associated aspects of therapy such as compliance and the presence of (or lack of) a support group."
Abstract The paper examines the issue of HIV and AIDS, commenting on the physiological progression of the disease on a histological level. The paper focuses on the immune system and then discusses HAART, highly active antiretroviral therapy, a newer therapy which is helping AIDS patients live longer and return to productive states. This paper highlights the problems resulting from HAART and the increased need for proper vocational counseling.
From the Paper "AIDS is a life threatening illness that, similar to cancer, is a growing concern and is an illness increasing in occurrence at an alarming rate. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) development in 1996 changed the face of advanced AIDS care and prognosis. This paper will provide a high level epidemiological and histological presentation on the physiology of the illness, cite information on the current incidence rates and future projections and use of HAART. Additional information will be provided on the concerns related to the psychological ramification and adjustments required, stressing the implications for the vocational counselor. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is an insidious virus that, enter the body through mucous membranes that allow the passing of bodily fluids or enter directly into the blood stream, attacks the body's only source of defense: the immune system. In order to understand the disease process, it is important to understand how the disease works."
This paper looks at how effective highly active antriretroviral therapy (HAART) is for HIV positive patients and what factors modify its effectiveness.
Abstract In this article, the writer first explains that HAART refers to highly active antiretroviral therapy. The writer then points out that antiretroviral medications are used for the treatment of infection by viruses such as HIV. The writer notes that HAART is comprised of a combination of several antiretroviral drugs. Since 1990, new antiretroviral nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors have been used in combination with protease inhibitors and non-nucleosides. The writer discusses that the effectiveness of HAART has been tested in a number of ways, however, its effectiveness depends on demographic and health factors. The writer maintains that the issue of HAART is relevant to nursing since it involves the well being and effective treatment of HIV+ patients. The writer finds this relevant because many patients today are HIV+, even though they may not be aware of their status and enter treatment for other reasons. Using literary sources, the writer examines the effectiveness of HAART for HIV+ patients and what modifies its effectiveness.
Outline:
Introduction
Literature Review
Critique
Implications for Nursing and Conclusion
From the Paper "The purpose of Chu, Gange, and Anastos' study was to determine if hormonal contraceptive use played a part in the effectiveness of HAART. This comparative study used 77 hormonal contraceptive users and 77 nonusers. The design was a prospective cohort study since the sample was based on the larger group used by Gange, et al. The same methods were used as in the earlier study. The main finding was that HIV-infected hormonal contraceptive users and nonusers did not differ significantly in their immunologic and virologic responses to HAART. From the study, it was concluded that there was insufficient evidence that using hormonal contraceptives significantly changed the effectiveness of HAART."
Abstract This paper explains that, in addition to an acute incidence of AIDS, the local disease situation including bubonic plague, cholera, dengue fever, hepatitis A, malaria, meningitis, schistosomiasis and typhoid fever, presents an increased opportunity for selling medical supplies in Africa's Mozambique. The author points out that Mozambique's severe, generalized AIDS epidemic handicapped by a meager health infrastructure, pockets of population concentration and increased economic contact with adjacent nations with HIV prevalence rates. The paper relates that, although the National Health System (NHS), which is the primary service provider of allopathic service in Mozambique, faces extremely limited human and material resources, the NHS has managed to enhance the coverage of the health system since the last decade through an increase in the health facility infrastructure and health sector staff.
From the Paper "While entering Africa's anti-AIDS drug market the company has to be considered as the top performer in the Black Economic Empowerment -- BEEE in South Africa and its expansion into the remaining region of Africa is backed by the SA Health Minister Manto Tshabalala Msimang. The new sector of trade and investment into Africa will render a crucial boost to the SA Black business that believes it has a hard task breaking into the white business world. The health minister stated that the local production of the anti-retroviral HIV treatment drugs which is being backed by the World Health Program must be seen in the context of the "regional" meaning of the African continent."
Abstract This paper discusses HIV/AIDS both in general terms and in relation to the dynamic HIV/AIDS has created across the African continent. The paper examines, in depth, the cause, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of HIV/AIDS. It gives emphasis to testing, treatment, and prevention strategies currently employed and under development; primarily adjusting antiretroviral treatment strategies. Finally, it briefly examines how HIV/AIDS has changed and is changing the demographic structure across Africa and some reasons why HIV/AIDS is so prevalent in that region.
From the Paper "AIDS/HIV and Africa HIV/AIDS HIV/AIDS Overview HIV or human immunodeficiency virus is a virus in a group of viruses called retroviruses and destroys cells in the body called CD4 T-cells. CD4 T-cells are a type of a white blood cell or a lymphocyte which are part of the body's immune system. These cells are vital to protect the body against various bacteria, viruses and other forms of infecting agents (Freiberg). AIDS or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is a term which covers the range of infections and illnesses resulting from a weakened auto immune system caused by HIV. This distinction is important; one can be HIV positive and not to be suffering from AIDS (Freiberg). Most often there exists a lengthy period of time, usually several years, from first being infected with HIV, and the development of infections and other AIDS related issues."
Abstract This paper looks at the problem of HIV/AIDS and the issue of complementary nutritional therapies that can be used to slow its progression and boost the immune system of HIV/AIDS patients. The paper also discusses the implications of utilizing these therapies and gives recommendations how to implement complementary nutritional therapies for HIV/AIDS. The paper discusses these treatments and also looks at how HIV/AIDS symptoms can be affected by proper nutrition and nutritional therapies and what kind of prevalence is noted with reduction of symptoms of HIV/AIDS when proper nutrition and nutritional therapies are employed.
Table of Contents:
Chapter 1 - Introduction to the Problem
Statement of the Problem
Background
Research Question
Hypothesis
Significance of the Study
Definition of Terms
Summary
Chapter 2 -- Review of Related Literature and Research
Introduction
Literature Review
Summary
Chapter 3 -- Results and Findings
Introduction
Analysis of Data
Findings
Summary
Chapter 4 -- Conclusions, Implications, and Recommendations for Further Research
Conclusions and Implications
Summary
From the Paper "Although it would appear that the government in general is doing little to help communities from being completely decimated by the HIV/AIDS virus, there are some HIV/AIDS prevention measures that are being undertaken by some areas of the government that may apply to many individuals. In general, however, most of the information given is not culture specific and therefore will not apply well to some individuals and their cultural beliefs and feelings. The government is also lacking in getting the message out regarding what should be done once the virus is contracted and there has been almost nothing from the government regarding complementary nutritional therapies. Some of this information is important here, however, because it indicates what makes an HIV/AIDS program successful and may be helpful to educators in the future as they work toward finding various ways to get the treatment information out there to more people."
Abstract This paper takes a look at depression in patients suffering with HIV/AIDS. According to the paper, depression is not caused by HIV directly, but it has been found that those who have HIV/AIDS often also suffer from depression. The paper goes on to say that it is important to understand how depression impacts HIV/AIDS with regard to the disease progression so that depression treatment can be effectively handled to reduce the advance of the disease in those who suffer from it.
Outline:
Background of the Problem
Conclusion
From the Paper " One of the weaknesses that this study had, was the instrument used to determine depression. While it is a marker for depressive illness it does not determine the rate or severity of the depression in the individual patient, which may have been helpful in separating the results into more definable categories(McDermott, 1999)."
"The study concluded that depression does not speed the progress of HIV but admits because of some of the inconsistent issues, such as the failure to divide the degrees of depression within the participants that the study should be repeated using different instruments to determine its validity(McDermott, 1999)."
Tags: death, mortality, rate, disease, management, antiretroviral, medication, life
Abstract The paper illustrates how AIDS is the major cause of poverty in Africa, although other factors play a contributing role. The paper highlights the manner in which the HIV virus has grown in African countries, the deaths it has caused and the means by which it has eclipsed other causes as a driving force of the current situation of poverty in Africa.
From the Paper "That Africa is riddled with poverty is not debated by any observer. That the causes of poverty are multiple cannot be argued by any thinking scholar. However, there has been extensive debate as to what factors play a role in the nation's current state of abject poverty, and to what extent these factors play a role. Some believe it is entirely internal factors that fuel African poverty, such as political instability and economic imbalance; others believe global factors, such as capitalization and trade issues, are the driving factors. However, it appears that one of the most driving forces behind the current poverty situation is AIDS, or the HIV virus."
Abstract The writer notes that from a humanitarian point of view, as well as from an economic point of view, it would seem appropriate that authorities should endeavour to protect the most innocent of all innocent victims - new born babies. The writer then discusses that the existence of effective drugs offers the possibility of saving literally millions of newborns from the horrible fate of being born with AIDS. Thus, it would seem that curbing mother to child transmission of AIDS (MTCT) with the use of antiretrovirals should be the top priority of governments in sub-Saharan Africa. This would be the most humane and cost-effective way of coping with the AIDS crisis in the medium to long term. Yet this is not the case. This essay seeks to examine the extent to which MTCT is being combated in sub-Saharan Africa, the reasons for this lack of commitment and to come up with suggestions to improve the situation.
From the Paper "The last-mentioned factor brings us to another problem that complicates the issue of MTCT in Africa. There is some controversy over the issue of nursing, as some studies have indicated that HIV is not transmitted in this way, while others have suggested that in poverty-stricken communities, the benefits of breast milk outweigh the risks posed by possible MTCT of AIDS. The problem is that - unlike in North America - in sub-Saharan Africa countless numbers of babies die of malnutrition, or from infectious diseases. Breast milk provides some measure of protection from both of these, as it is an ideal source of nutrition, and also passes the mother's antibodies to infants. Thus, it is extremely difficult to know whether to advise HIV positive mothers not to nurse - more harm may be done than good."
Abstract The research paper examines different strategies that are being used within communities in order to determine the most successful ones in increasing the amount of patients who adhere and complete the treatment plan and therefore decrease the level of tuberculosis (TB) infection. The paper explores the reasons behind non-compliance with treatment and shows how successful strategies attempted to take a multi-faceted approach, addressing issues such as supervision,
economic factors, social support, drug availability, healthcare set-up and others. The paper includes a literature review as an appendix to the paper.
Outline:
Introduction
Results
Conclusions
Appendix: Literature Review
From the Paper "Tuberculosis remains a significant cause of mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, a situation which is exacerbated due to the association of TB as an opportunistic infection of HIV. Despite there having been treatment programmes in place in many areas of Africa for a number of years there remain a large number of deaths from the disease partially due to poor adherence rates to the treatment programmes available. There has been a large amount of literature published which discusses the factors which may impact on adherence to these treatment programmes, and some which evaluates strategies to improve adherence."
Abstract The author of this paper discusses the need to provide African nations with large populations of AIDS sufferers, with cheap drugs to combat this killer disease. The writer states that, were the incidence of AIDS sufferers and AIDS related deaths to be as high in the western world as they are in Africa, treatment would be readily available at a price that all could afford. The writer contends that the problem is not only the availability of the drugs, but also the non-existence of an appropriate infrastructure that could get the drugs to the patients needing them. An additional impediment is the financial consideration. Even in cases where drugs were supplied at very low prices, more often than not, poorer individuals could not afford a full course of treatment. The author concludes by saying that whilst the situation is improving, a lot still remains to be done to save many more millions from death.
From the Paper "When AIDS was first discovered in the 1980s, epidemiologists and the news media alike first nicknamed it the 'gay cancer' given the population it struck--usually white, gay males who engaged in risky sexual activities, along with IV drug users who made use of unsafe needle-sharing practices, and perhaps a few hemophiliacs or spouses who were unfortunate enough to have a blood donation or had intercourse with infected individuals. However, today we know that AIDS knows no sexual orientation, color, or lifestyle. We also know, contrary to the belief held about the disease when it was first classified, that it is not a death sentence. People live for many years, although ten years ago they were drawing up their wills after they were diagnosed HIV-positive."
Tags: hiv antiretroviral infected vaccine treatment medication drugs gay pharmaceuticals, doctors without borders, sexual
