AIDS: A Major Cause of Death of Bahamians
AIDS in Bahamians, ages 15-44
A major cause of death of Bahamians in the age group 15 to 44 is AIDS. This is a result of unprotected sex, ignorance and the reluctancy to get tested and treated. Many Bahamians engage in sexual intercourse without the use of contraceptives. Ignorant to the dangers of AIDS, they believe that nothing will happen. When and if there is a slight belief that one is infected with AIDS, Bahamians tend to hesitate to get tested or treated because of appearances. However, “as research, investment and commitment into understanding HIV and AIDS increased, so the outcome of people living with HIV improved around the world” (“AVERTing HIV & AIDS”). With innovative and private methods many organizations have formed for the fight against this disease, locally the AIDS Foundation of the Bahamas and globally, the Clinton Global Initiative. There has been several advancements in the Bahamas in conjunction with AIDS. Pregnant mothers who are infected with HIV are now able to take retrovirals that will could the baby from being born with AIDS. The origin of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, AIDS, can be traced back to Africa as far as the 1930’s. The first recognized cases of AIDS occurred in the USA in the early 1980s when “number of gay men in New York and California suddenly began to develop rare opportunistic infections and cancers” (“AVERTing HIV & AIDS”). Then, AIDS was detected among Haitians in the United States and then among the Europeans and finally among the Chinese. During the year 1982, three thousand AIDS cases were reported in the United States and one thousand of them died. Eventually, AIDS spread into the Caribbean, impaling the Bahamas. “AIDS is a severe immunological disorder caused by the retrovirus HIV, resulting in a defect in cell-mediated immune response that is manifested by increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections and to certain rare cancers” (National HIV/AIDS Center). Like a praying mantis, AIDS is a
A major cause of death of Bahamians in the age group 15 to 44 is AIDS. This is a result of unprotected sex, ignorance and the reluctancy to get tested and treated. Many Bahamians engage in sexual intercourse without the use of contraceptives. Ignorant to the dangers of AIDS, they believe that nothing will happen. When and if there is a slight belief that one is infected with AIDS, Bahamians tend to hesitate to get tested or treated because of appearances. However, “as research, investment and commitment into understanding HIV and AIDS increased, so the outcome of people living with HIV improved around the world” (“AVERTing HIV & AIDS”). With innovative and private methods many organizations have formed for the fight against this disease, locally the AIDS Foundation of the Bahamas and globally, the Clinton Global Initiative. There has been several advancements in the Bahamas in conjunction with AIDS. Pregnant mothers who are infected with HIV are now able to take retrovirals that will could the baby from being born with AIDS. The origin of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, AIDS, can be traced back to Africa as far as the 1930’s. The first recognized cases of AIDS occurred in the USA in the early 1980s when “number of gay men in New York and California suddenly began to develop rare opportunistic infections and cancers” (“AVERTing HIV & AIDS”). Then, AIDS was detected among Haitians in the United States and then among the Europeans and finally among the Chinese. During the year 1982, three thousand AIDS cases were reported in the United States and one thousand of them died. Eventually, AIDS spread into the Caribbean, impaling the Bahamas. “AIDS is a severe immunological disorder caused by the retrovirus HIV, resulting in a defect in cell-mediated immune response that is manifested by increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections and to certain rare cancers” (National HIV/AIDS Center). Like a praying mantis, AIDS is a
Cited: “AVERTing HIV and AIDS”. . N.p. N.d. Web. 12 Nov. 2012. Clinton Health Access Initiative. . N.d. N.p. Web. 12 Nov. 2012. “Joining With U.S to fight AIDS”. The Tribune (Nassau) 10 Oct. 2012. Print. “Local AIDS Organizations Receive Training”. Bahama Journal 11 Oct. 2012. Web. 12 Nov. 2012. . National HIV/AIDS Center. HIV & AIDS: In the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. Nassau: Ministry of Health, 2012. Print. National HIV/AIDS Center. Facts About A.I.D.S. Nassau: Ministry of Health, 2012 Print.