Introduction Studies on human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) prevalence have indicated that HIV/AIDS continues to ravage the African countries. According to a report by the UNAIDS, it is estimated that 69% of all the people living with HIV finds their home in Africa (78). This is a relatively high prevalence considering that Africa accounts for only 14. 5% of the world population.
Although some theories on the origin of HIV has linked the earliest known case to West Africa, recent studies have indicated that South Africa is the worst affected region in the world with infection rates ranging between 20 to 30 percent of the sexually active population. AIDS-related mortality has resulted to low life expectancy and decreased population growth rate in most Sub-Saharan countries in Africa. This research paper analyses the consequences of HIV/AIDS epidemic on the social life, economy and education sector of the African society. Social Impact.
Stigma and discrimination tops the list of the heaviest burdens that those living with HIV/AIDS have to shoulder. It is not uncommon, especially in African countries to have people living with HIV/AIDS being denied equal access to health. Many people believe that a HIV positive person is destined to die and hence needs no medical attention. In some communities, moreover, HIV/AIDS patients were regarded as outcast and were left to die in the forests. This perception is, however, changing owing to the great campaign sensitizing against discrimination.
People living with HIV/AIDS are in most cases denied equal employment opportunity. Most employers argue that HIV infected persons are more likely to neglect their duties as they need more time to seek specialized health care. Innocent children infected with HIV may not know how to deal with stigma. Their peers avoid interacting or even playing with them; this renders them lonely and segregated. Discrimination of people living with HIV/AIDS by the community has contributed to high rates of infection as it prevents people from disclosing their own status (Reece et al. 61).
The impact of the HIV / AIDS epidemic on families cannot be underestimated. Earlier on, families had to deal with the loss of family members who succumbed to AIDS- related illnesses. With the discovery of antiretroviral drugs, AIDS-related deaths have reduced considerably. Now, the families deal with a chronic disease; HIV infection. Care giving may become a difficult task as the disease progresses; it is even more difficult for discordant couples due to risk of infection. This can adversely affect their sexual relationship hence increasing the possibility of divorce and separation .
The risk of contracting HIV in Africa today is higher to married couples which in turn increase the risk of mother to child transmission (Thorne et al. 399). According to Miller and Murray, infected children need more psychological care especially from their parent (290). The challenges facing the families as a result of HIV/AIDS infection depend on which family member is infected, that is, the man ,woman or children. Economic impact HIV/AIDS pandemic has contributed to reduced economic growth in most of the African countries. With a large number of people living with the virus, human capital has greatly reduced.
HIV infected persons require specialized medication and ends up spending their time working on their health. HIV/AIDS menace increases the mortality; this reduces the skilled population as many people die when they are in their most productive age. The only available labor force is composed of young and inexperienced individuals whose contribution to economic growth is below average. In the hardest hit region of Sub-Saharan Africa, HIV affects the most productive generation. This lowers the per capita income due to the high level of interdependence.
High number of AIDS- related deaths have reduced the average life expectancy. Decrease in life expectancy is known to lower the gross domestic product (GDP). According to Arndt and others’ projection, the GDP of South Africa was expected to be 8% less than a no AIDS-scenario by the year 2010 (430). Low GDP per capita indicates a low standard of living. Countries with high incidence of HIV/AIDS tend to focus a larger proportion of its expenditure on health care; this means that there is less investment on development projects. Their future productivity is, therefore, expected to reduce. Impact of HIV/AIDS on education
In its study of Africa, the World Bank established that HIV/AIDS incidence is reducing the demand and supply of education. While trying to cater for the expensive medication of an infected loved one, many parents and guardian will find it difficult to educate their children. The rising number of children born with HIV explains why classrooms remain empty or sparingly filled in most of the African schools. Reduction of education supply by the HIV/AIDS pandemic may not be direct, but the reduced number of students in some of the African countries has resulted to close down of educational facilities.
This decline was attributed to the rising number of school dropouts as children are forced drop out of schools to take care of their ailing parent. Reduced education supply can also be attributed to lack of teachers. In Zambia, for example, it is estimated that the number of teachers dying from AIDS in a given academic year can surpass the number of trained teachers graduating from colleges within the year (Kelly 88). Conclusion Although HIV/AIDS is a global challenge, Africa is the worst affected region. This explains why many African countries continue to languish in poverty, with least or no development.
Efforts to curb incidences of HIV/AIDS transmission has been a top priority in many African countries, however, a number of policies need to be tailored to ensure prevention and early diagnosis. This cannot be possible without the right information; a considerable amount of resource should therefore be channeled to research and data collection. Also, a legal rights protection mechanism should be put in place to aid in fighting with stigma and discrimination. HIV infected persons and their families should be encouraged to join support groups through which financial aid and moral support can be given.
Although the effects of HIV/AIDS pandemic may be different in different countries, studies have shown that the worst affected countries are characterized by the low economic growth rate, low standards of education and decay of moral values.
Works cited Arndt, Channing, and Jeffrey Lewis. “The HIV/AIDS Pandemic in South Africa: Spectral Impacts and Unemployment. ” Journal of International Development 16. 3 (2001): 427-429. Web. 14 February 2013 Kelly, M. “The Inclusion of HIV/AIDS Component in BESSIP. ” Lusaka times: 03 July 1998. 16-17. Print.
Miller, R, and Murray D. ” The Impact of HIV Illness on Parents and Children, with Particular Reference to African Families. ” Journal of Family Therapy 21. 3 (1999): 284–302. Web. 14 February 2013 Reece, Mark et al. ” The Impact of HIV-Related Stigma on HIV Care and Prevention Providers. ” Journal of HIV/AIDS & Social Services 6. 3 (2007): 55-73. Web. 14 February 2013 UNAIDS. ” Global Aids Epidemics. ” Global Report. (2010): Web 14 February 2013 World Bank. “HIV/AIDS and Education. ” A Human Capital Issue 6 (1995): 71-77. Web. 14 February 2013.