Journals A-Z
All Subjects
Free Journals
sciepub.com
American Journal of Epidemiology and Infectious Disease
ISSN (Print): 2333-116X ISSN (Online): 2333-1275 Website: https://www.sciepub.com/journal/ajeid Editor-in-chief: John Opuda-Asibo
Open Access
Journal Browser
Go
Issue 3, Volume 3
Article Metrics
  • 15978
    Views
  • 14860
    Saves
  • 0
    Citations
  • 7
    Likes
Export Article
American Journal of Epidemiology and Infectious Disease. 2015, 3(3), 50-60
DOI: 10.12691/ajeid-3-3-2
Open AccessReview Article

The Victories and Vexations of HIV and AIDS: An African Critical Public Health Perspective

Dickson Shey Nsagha1, , Elroy Patrick Weledji2, Sarah Mboshi Nsagha3, Faryu William Tantoh4, Elvis Asangbeng Tanue5, Anna Longdoh Njunda5, Jules Clement Assob Nguedia5, Edie Gregory Halle Ekane2 and George Enow-Orock6

1Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Box 63, Buea, Cameroon

2Department of Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Box 63, Buea, Cameroon

3Department of Educational Psychology, Faculty of Education, University of Buea, Box 63, Buea, Cameroon

4Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social and Management Sciences,University of Buea, Box 63, Buea, Cameroon

5Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Box 63, Buea, Cameroon

6Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Box 63, Buea, Cameroon

Pub. Date: July 05, 2015
View Full Text Full Text PDF (184 KB) Full Text ePUB(50 KB)

Cite this paper:
Dickson Shey Nsagha, Elroy Patrick Weledji, Sarah Mboshi Nsagha, Faryu William Tantoh, Elvis Asangbeng Tanue, Anna Longdoh Njunda, Jules Clement Assob Nguedia, Edie Gregory Halle Ekane and George Enow-Orock. The Victories and Vexations of HIV and AIDS: An African Critical Public Health Perspective. American Journal of Epidemiology and Infectious Disease. 2015; 3(3):50-60. doi: 10.12691/ajeid-3-3-2

Abstract

Background: In sub-Saharan Africa, AIDS has resulted in many deaths, economic loss, sufferings and cultural changes. This paper focuses on the health, cultural, social and economic impact of HIV and AIDS on African communities. Objective: The study was conducted to analyse the problems ushered in by HIV and AIDS and developmental benefits that have resulted from the pandemic from an African perspective. Methods: This was not a systematic review because the medical and health literature related to the topic was searched unsystematically. We conducted a structured literature search using the following keywords: HIV/AIDS, victories, vexations, public health and African. The major literature data bases used were PubMed, EMBASE, google scholar and African Journals online. We also scanned reference lists for relevant citations including books, conferences and workshop reports. All articles selected were in English. We used most publications from 1983 to 2012. In-depth interviews were also held with some elderly persons. Observations on some African cultures were also conducted. Results: With rapid diagnostic tests and antiretroviral drugs, many lives have been saved from AIDS-related deaths. Victories in the fight against HIV/AIDS include a good diagnostic test, anti-retrovirals, risky behaviour changes that predispose people to HIV and vexations like lack of a vaccine, deaths, economic loss, hardship, social stigma and continuous HIV transmission. The changes in repugnant cultural habits have reduced the burden of HIV/AIDS in some communities. AIDS orphans need food, shelter, education, clothing, emotional and psychological well-being, health care and subsistence. Behaviour change and stigma have been difficult to measure and quantify but a validation scale has been developed. The new vision of three zeros (zero new infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths), lack of financial commitment from African governments, the concentration of new HIV infections among youths and the enactment of laws on human rights forHIV/AIDS patients canmitigate the impact of HIV/AIDS. Conclusions: Even though substantial progress has been made in the areas of treatment, health education, diagnosis, family planning, stigma reduction, home-based care and identification of high risk groups, there are still a number of barriers to HIV and AIDS service provision that need to be addressed. Community coping mechanisms should be sustained for the care of AIDS orphans.

Keywords:
HIV/ AIDS victories vexations public health Africa

Creative CommonsThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

References:

[1]  Weledji EP, Kamga HLF, Assob JC, Nsagha DS. A critical review on HIV/AIDS and wound care.AJCEM 2012, 13(2): 66-75.
 
[2]  UNAID Global Report: UNAIDS Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic 2012. Geneva, Switzerland. Available at:http://www.unaids.org/en/media/unaids/contentassets/documents/epidemiology/2012/gr2012/20121120 _UNAIDS_Global_Report_2012_with_annexes_en.pdf. Accessed on; 02/02/2015.
 
[3]  Guiella, G. and N.J. Madise. 2007. “HIV/AIDS and Sexual-Risk Behaviors among Adolescents: Factors Influencing the use of Condoms in Burkina Faso.” AJRH 2007. 11(3): p. 182-196.
 
[4]  DeCock KM, Mbori- Ngacha D and Marum E. Shadow on the continent: public health and HIV/AIDS in Africa in the 21st century. The Lancet 2002; 360(9326): 67-72.
 
[5]  Elder HA. HIV infection into the 21st Century. Guest Lecture, Jos University Teaching Hospital. May, 1995, p. 1-12.
 
[6]  Nyasha C and Vurayai R. HIV/AIDS vaccines for Africa: scientific opportunities, challenges and strategies. PAMJ 2015; 386.
 
[7]  Fern EJ. The use of focus groups for idea generation: the effects of group size, acquintanceship and moderator on response quantity and quality. J Market Res 1982; 19:1-13.
 
[8]  Khan ME, Anker M, Patel BC, Berge S, Sadhwan H, Kohle R. The use of focus groups in social and behavioural research: some methodological issues. World Health Stat Q 1991; 44 (3): 145-149.
 
[9]  Nsagha DS, Elat JBN, Ndong PAB, Tata PN, Tayong MN, Pokem F, Wankah CC. Feasibility of home management using ACT for childhood malaria episodes in an urban setting. Drug Healthc Patient Saf, 2012, 4:1-18.
 
[10]  Mann JM, Tarantola JM, Netter TW. The HIV pandemic: Status and Trends. AIDS in the world. Harvard University Press. 1992. P. 11-108.
 
[11]  Popovic M, Sarngadharan MG, Read E& Gallo RC. Detection, isolation and continuous production of cytopathic retroviruses (HILV-III) from patients with AIDS and pre-AIDS. Science 1984; 224: 497-500.
 
[12]  Gallo RC, Salahuddin SZ, Popovic M, Shearer GM, Kaplan M, Haynes BF, Palker TJ, Redfield R, Oleske J, Safai B, White G, Foster P, Markham PD. Frequent detection and isolation of cytopathic retroviruses (HTL V-III) from patients of AIDS and at risk for AIDS. Science 1984; 224: 500-503.
 
[13]  Barre-Sinoussi F, Chermann JC, Rey F, Nugeyre MT, Chamatret S, Gruest J, Dauguet C, Axler-BlinC, Vezinet-Brun F, Rouzioux C,Rozenbaum W, Montagnier L. Isolation of a T-Lymphotropic retrovirus from patients at risk for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Science 1983; 220: 868-871.
 
[14]  Nkengasong JN, Peeters M, vandenHaesevelde M, Musi SS, Willems B, Ndumbe PM, Delaporte E, Perret JL, Piot P, van den Groen G. Antigenic evidence of the presence of the aberrant HIV -1 and 70 virus in Cameroon and Gabon. AIDS 1993; (6-7: 1536-1538.
 
[15]  Gurtler LG, Hauser PH,Eberle J, von Brunn A, Knapp S, Zekeng L,Tsague JM,Kaptue L. Further characterisation of a new HIV-1 subtype from Cameroon.Poster PO-OIO-0147 IXth International Conference on AIDS. 1994.
 
[16]  Gurtler LG, Hauser PH, Eberle J, von Brunn A, Knapp S, Zekeng L, Tsague JM, Kaptue L. A new subtype of Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (MVP¬5180) from Cameroon. JVirol. 1994; 68: 1581-1589.
 
[17]  Fukasawa M, Miura T, Hasegawa A, Morikawa S,Tsujimoto H, Miki K, Kitamura T, Hayami M. Sequence of SimianImmuno deficiency Virus (SIV) from African Green Monkey: A new member of the HIV/SIV group. Nature 1988; 333: 457-461.
 
[18]  National Institute on Drug Abuse. PA number: PA-02-164, 2005. Available from: www.nida.nih.gov. Accessed July 12, 2009.
 
[19]  PangL.Veteran anti-AIDS campaigner's victories and defeats. China Newsweek 2008; 1-3.
 
[20]  Francis D. AIDS vaccine ready for clinical trial. Ind JTuber 1998; 45: 235-236.
 
[21]  Nevirapine. Available from: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a600035.html#why.Accessed August 6, 2009.
 
[22]  Introduction to HIV and AIDS drug treatment 2009. Available at: http://www.avert.org/treatment.htm.Accessed August 10, 2009.
 
[23]  Ho-Kean A. Understanding HIV/AIDS Drug Resistance Assays. 2001. Availablefrom: http://www.thebody.com/content/art1261.html.Accessed August 10, 2009.
 
[24]  Assob NJC and NsaghaDS.African Medicinal Plant Derived Products as Therapeutic Arsenals against Multidrug Resistant Microorganisms. J Pharmacognosy Phytother 2014; 6(5): 59-69.
 
[25]  Mawak JD. Prevalence of HIV and Treponemapalliduminfections in mothers and neonates in the Jos University Teaching Hospital. 1994. M.Sc. Dissertation, Jos. Nigeria. P.1-126.
 
[26]  Duesberg P. HIV is not the cause of AIDS. Policy Forum1988; 514-517.
 
[27]  Mbeki AIDS denial 'caused 300,000 deaths', 2004.Available from: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/nov/26/aids-south-africa. Accessed March 2, 2012.
 
[28]  Nsagha DS &ElatNJB. Faith - Based capacity building for HIV / AIDS intervention programmes in the North West Province of Cameroon. 2004. Supercourse lecture. University of Pittsburgh, USA, Availablefrom: http//: www.pitt.edu. Part 1.Available at:www.pitt.edu/~super1/lecture/lec13441/index.hPart 2. Available atwww.pitt.edu/~super1/lecture/lec13451/index.htm.Accessed May 17 2012.
 
[29]  Meekers D & Calves AE. 'Main' girlfriends, marriage, and money: the social context of HIV risk behaviour in sub-Saharan Africa. Health Trans Rev1997;7(supp): 361-375.
 
[30]  Danziger R. The social impact of HIV and AIDS in developing countries. SocSciMed 1994; 39: 905-917.
 
[31]  Ministry of Public Health, Cameroon. Annual report.National AIDS Control Committee. 2007, p.1-92.
 
[32]  Nsagha DS & Thompson RB. Integrated care of orphans and vulnerable children in the EkondoTiti and Isangelle Health Areas of Cameroon. JHIV/AIDS Soc Serv. 2011; 10: 161-173.
 
[33]  Aubourg DE. Expanding the first line of defense: community-based institutional care for orphans. International Conference on AIDS. 2004 Jul 11-16; 15: abstract no. WePeD6612. Bangkok, Thailand.
 
[34]  Ministry of Public Health. National AIDS Control Committee.The impact of HIV and AIDS in Cameroon through 2020.Central Technical Group 2010. P. 1-30.
 
[35]  UNAIDS. Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic 2008. Available from: http://www.unaids. Org. Accessed June 12, 2009.
 
[36]  Foote M &Akukwe C. HIV/AIDS in Africa: the gains of the Durban conference. AIDS ConferenceDurban, South Africa. 2000. Constituency for Africa (CFA), Washington, DC. National Council for International Health (NCIH), Washington, DC.2000. P. 1-3.
 
[37]  Youngson N (2009). Strengthen family capacity to respond to OVC. Seminar Presentation by Father Professor Michael J Kelly on the care of OVC. Zimbabwe. p. 1-4.
 
[38]  Nsagha DS, BissekACZK,Nsagha SM, Assob JCN, KamgaHLF, Njamnshi DM, NjundaAL, Obama MTO, Njamnshi AK. The burden of orphans and vulnerable children due to HIV/AIDS in Cameroon. TOAJ 2012; 4:1-18.
 
[39]  UNICEF. Cameroon:HIV/AIDS. 2009. Available from: http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/cameroon_statistics.html. Accessed 23 October 2011.
 
[40]  Clark FC, McLean S. International Conference on AIDS. Bangkok, Thailand. 2004, July 11-16; 15: abstract no. ThPeD7881. Help Age International, London, United Kingdom.
 
[41]  Chinsembu KC. Sexually Transmitted Infections in Adolescents. TOIDJ 2009; 3: 107-117.
 
[42]  Luboshi LS and Mugisha JYT. HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa: Trends and challenges. 2005. Available from: www.feem-it/Feem/pub/publications/WPapers/default.htm. Accessed 10 May 2015.
 
[43]  Gerritsen AAM. SAEMA at the South African AIDS Conference.A new deal for South Africa, 2009. P. 1-4.
 
[44]  Hargrove J, Williams BG. The HIV Epidemic in South Africa – Provenance and Prospects. Fourth South African AIDS Conference, Durban, April 2009.
 
[45]  Balmer DH. The impact of HIV and AIDS on the African community. In: Death, Dying and Society, ed. C.Newnes, Have’ Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. 1991.
 
[46]  Ntozi JPM. Using Circumcision to prevent HIV infection in sub-Saharan Africa: The view of an African.Health TransRev1995; 5: 97-100.
 
[47]  Anonymous. Tainted victory. Five more years for Maseveni. True to his word. News Africa 2001; 17: 10-13.
 
[48]  Caldwell JC & Caldwell P. The neglect of an epidemiological explanation for the distribution of HIV/ AIDS in sub-saharanAfrica: Exploring the male circumcision hypothesis. Health Trans Rev 1994; 4: 23-46.
 
[49]  Caldwell JC. Lack of male circumcision and AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa: resolving the conflict. Health Trans Rev 1995; 5: 113-117.
 
[50]  Ntozi JPM &Mukiza GJ. Evolution of household composition and family structure under the condition of high mortality in Uganda. 1992.
 
[51]  Goldberg HI, Lee NC, Oberte MW& Peterson C. Knowledge of condoms and their use in less developed countries during a period of rising AIDS prevalence. Bullet WHO 1989; 67: 85-91.
 
[52]  Konde- Lule JB. Adolescents and AIDS in Rakai district, Uganda. Paper presented at the workshop on AIDS and Society. International Conference Centre, Kampala, 15- 16 December, 1992.
 
[53]  Bennell P, Hyde K, Swainson N. The impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic on the education sector in sub-Saharan Africa: A synthesis of the findings and recommendations of three country studies. Centre for International Education, University of Sussex Institute of Education. 2002. p. 1-129.
 
[54]  UNAIDS.Report on the global AIDS epidemic - 4th global report, 2004. The impact of AIDS on people and societies. Available from: data.unaids.org/Global-Reports/.../gar2004_04_en.htm. Accessed March 2010.
 
[55]  AIDS epidemic update. December 2001.Available from: http://data.unaids.org/publications/irc-pub06/epiupdate01_en.pdf. Accessed 4 March 2012.
 
[56]  Bonnel R. Economic analysis of HIV / AIDS.Background paper.POPLINE document number: 283996. Washington, D.C., World Bank, AIDS Campaign Team for Africa, 2000 Sep. p. 1-16.
 
[57]  Commission on HIV/AIDS and Governance (CHG) in Africa. Report of the Commission on HIV/AIDS and Governance in Africa. Available at: www.uneca.org/sites/default/files/.../securingourfuturereport_en_0.pdf. Accessed May 25, 2015.
 
[58]  ‎Ameh EA. Caring for the Terminally ill. Nig JMed 1995; 4: 26-30.
 
[59]  Gebi UI. The right of the AIDS patients. Nig JMed 1995; 4: 25.
 
[60]  The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria 2009. Available from: http://www.theglobalfund.org/en/. Accesses August 2, 2009.
 
[61]  Tsounkeu M. The Millennium Development Goals in Cameroon: How far from the target in 2005. Available from: http://www.commonwealthfoundation.com/uploads/.../mdg_cameroon.pdf. Accessed May 5, 2009.
 
[62]  Convention on the rights of the child, United Nations General Assembly.Publications and information on the work of the United Nations Children's Fund and its advocacy for children's rights, survival, development and protection, 1990. Available from: www.unicef.org/crc. Accessed May 2, 2007.
 
[63]  WHO. Millennium Development Goals 2009. Available from: http://www.who.int Accessed July 26, 2009.
 
[64]  Global Fund (2011). 'Making a Difference: Sub-Saharan Africa, Regional Results Report 2011. Available at: http://www.avert.org/hiv-aids-sub-saharan-africa.htm#sthash.CmZkJiKA.dpuf. Accessed March 2013.
 
[65]  LeVasseur MT, Goldstern MD, Welles Sl, A public health perspective on HIV/AIDS in Africa: Victories and unmet challenges. Pathphys. 2014; 21(3): 237-256.
 
[66]  HIV and AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. 2012 Statistics. The Environmental and Social Influences of HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Focus on Rural Communities. Available at: www.avert.org/africa-hiv-aids-statistics.htm. Accessed May 20, 2015.
 
[67]  ‎Nsagha DS, Njunda AL, Kamga HL, Assob NJC, Mokube JA. The epidemiology of orphans and vulnerable children due to HIV/AIDS in an integrated community scheme in Bafaka-Balue in Ndian Division of Cameroon. Abstract, International Conference on AIDS in Africa, December 4-8, 2011, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
 
[68]  Serey S, Many D, Sopheak M, Sokkalyan T, Sela SA, Chanravuth L and Sophal K. Addressing the special needs of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC): A case study in KienSvay district, KandalProvince, Cambodia. J AIDS HIV Res 2011; 3:43-50.
 
[69]  Ogunbodede EO.HIV/AIDS Situation in Africa.INT DENT J2004; 54: 352-360.
 
[70]  Ngozi CM, Bart van den B., and Nanne KDV. “Stigma of People with HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Literature Review,” J Trop Med, vol. 2009, Article ID 145891, 14 pages, 2009.
 
[71]  Sub-Saharan Africa - 2012 Statistics. Number of people living with HIV: 25,000,000 | Adult HIV prevalence: Available at: http://www.avert.org/hiv-aids-sub-saharan-africa.htm#sthash.UJk1272u.dpuf. Accessed February 2015.
 
[72]  Oramasionwu CU, Daniels KR, Labreche MJ, and Frei CR. ‎IJERPH 2011; 8(7): 2967-2979.
 
[73]  Airhihenbuwa CO& J. DeWitt W. Culture and African contexts of HIV/AIDSprevention, care and support, SAHARA-J 2004; 1:1, 4-13.
 
Manuscript template