If AIDS is a disease then education is its cure surely. Because of lack of education, the people consider AIDS as a contagious disease but in course of time, it has been found out that AIDS does not spread from touch.
Because of the disgrace attached to the sexually transmitted diseases, a person is quite reluctant to share this problem with others as one is afraid of being judged by the society. So, the main cause of the disease is not the disease itself, but it is the mentality and lack of education among the people of the community which leads to the spread of such diseases. The reason being simple if people act co-operatively then one will share their problems with others and thus get treated in initial stages. But exactly opposite happens in our society. We judge, we ignore, we isolate, and we pass remarks thus making the person more vulnerable. It has been said that people die less of disease, but more of the stigma attached to it. This is the reason why these days a psychiatrist is much needed in such diseases.
Proper counseling and education is the foremost step if one wants to get rid of the disease. This usually does not occur in all cases the reasons being simple people are not so aware of the psychiatric procedure.
How Can You Get Rid of AIDS from the Society?
Education: Education is the key to getting rid of AIDS. Sex education should be given to all the teenagers in schools so that they are aware of such kind of diseases. Group discussion on such topics is need of the hour.
Contraceptives: Another method is to use contraceptives while doing coitus. Condoms should be used as it prevents transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.
Proper Disposal of Syringes: The intravenous drug users must get themselves checked as these are more prone to get the disease through the bloodstream. Use of nonsterile syringes causes transmission of the disease, this is the reason a person should always use a new syringe and needle for every new procedure. Proper disposal of syringes is even important to prevent hazards related to such syringes.
Educating Gay Community: Homosexual males are at higher chance of acquiring the disease, therefore, appropriate advice to such groups should be given.
Blood Transfusion: People who require frequent transfusion of blood like a person suffering from thalassemia or severe anaemia should make sure that the blood that is being transfused is HIV negative. Thus, proper knowledge about the diseases is also necessary to get rid of it.
Syringes: Sharing of syringes and injectable should be avoided.
Avoiding Paid Sex: Another way to get rid of AIDS is by preventing unwanted sexual activities, as paid sex is an important source of AIDS transmission. This can be prevented by giving caution to unmarried adults. It has been found out that prostitution is more common among unmarried men than among married men. Proper family establishment at an appropriate time can prevent this transmission of the diseases, as a family person usually is less interested in being involved in such activities.
The above mentioned all the ways are primary preventions, which should be initiated as early as possible to get rid of the disease.
Prophylactic measures should be given if one gets a prick by a needle within 72 hours and for minimum 28 days. Lamivudine + abacavir +efavirenz/nevirapine are the drugs of choice for prophylaxis.
Many initiatives are taken by the government, which includes the establishment of integrated counseling and testing centers (ICTCs) which provides appropriate counseling regarding the disease. Many initiatives are taken under such testing centers which include-
- Providing free blood test services.
- Prevention of mother to child transmission.
- Opioid substitution therapy.
- Testing for HIV p24 antigens.
- Providing condoms to prevent transmission of disease.
Various types of centers have been established namely mobile ICTC and standalone ICTC which provides services at the different levels.
Also Read:
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection / AIDS: Symptoms, Topical Treatment, NSAIDs
- Retrovirus or HIV Infection: Transmission, Treatment, Clinical Manifestation, Prevention, Opportunistic Infections
- Symptoms and Stages of HIV
- Opportunistic Infections and Their Relationship with HIV/AIDS
- HIV Life Expectancy: How Long Can Someone Live With HIV?
