Health
HIV/AIDS
The primary goal of the HIV/AIDS Sensitization Program is to spread awareness, thereby reducing the number of new infections in Cameroon. The program aims to correct common misconceptions about HIV/AIDS and to ensure that individuals have accurate information, which will help them to make informed decisions.
The sensitization program aims to:
* Give individuals the confidence and tools to be able to negotiate sex with a partner
* Encourage individuals to think about sex and to allow them to assess the risks of any type of sexual activity
* Teach individuals how to reduce the risk of infection by encouraging abstinence, delaying sexual activity, using condoms, and reducing their number of partners
* Explain where to go to get testing, diagnosis, and counseling for HIV/AIDS
* Help individuals understand the implications of being HIV infected and to encourage them to keep themselves as healthy as possible, thereby reducing the risk of opportunistic infections Give caregivers information on how to care for HIV/AIDS patients
Many people think that if they get an AIDS test and it comes out negative, they don’t have HIV and can’t give it to a partner.
In fact, a test that is done too soon may give a false result – and a false sense of security.
The HIV antibody test, also known as the AIDS test, is a blood test. It does not detect the virus. It measures the antibodies in your blood that your body makes to fight disease. It takes up to six months for your body to make these antibodies. At that point, the tests are more than 99% accurate.
A positive test means that antibodies have been found in the blood and that HIV is in the body. The test cannot tell when you became infected or if and when you will get sick. It only tells you that you have the virus.
If a person is tested before the antibodies show up, the test will be negative. If you are thinking of getting a test, remember that being tested too soon may give a false result.
You must ask to be tested for HIV antibodies. It is not done automatically when you give blood during a physical examination. You must give your consent to be tested.
It does not cost money to be tested for medical reasons. There may be a fee if the test is for a non-medical reason, such as getting life insurance or a foreign work visa.
MEN & HIV GENDER
The different role that men and women play in a society and the rights and responsibilities associated with those is a powerful force. Gender roles and gender norms are culturally specific and thus vary tremendously around the world everywhere, however, men and women differ substantially from each other in power, status, and freedom. In virtually all societies, men have more power than women. Although their position of power in the world confers many benefits, it can also endanger their health.
The myth of masculinity leads to expectations of men to be physically strong, emotionally robust, and daring these expectations translate into attitudes and behaviors that have become unhelpful or frankly lethal. Others, on the contrary, represent valuable potential that can be tapped by HIV/AIDS programs.
WHY SHOULD MEN BECOME MORE FULLY INVOLVED IN THE FIGHT AGAINST HIV/AIDS?
The number of special circumstances place men at particularly high risk of contracting HIV:
Worldwide, men tend to have more sex partners than women, including extramarital partners, thereby increasing their partners risk of HIV. Studies confirm that boys and men across the world report sex with other boys and men may have discreet relationships with other men so long as they also marry and have children. This places both the male and female partners at risk. Secrecy and stigma stifle discussion about HIV between couples.
Men are often less likely than women to seek health care - this may be associated with delays in treatment of STDs and health concerns. Untreated STD's have been associated with a five-fold increase of HIV transmission.
Men who migrate for work and live away from their families may pay for sex and use substances including alcohol to cope with the stress and loneliness of living far from home. This can further contribute to the spread of HIV, when they return to their communities and their primary partners.
Men in all-male environments, such as the military, may be strongly influenced by a culture that reinforces risk. Security Council has recently approved a program with will attempt to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS within the UN peacekeeping forces. The UN has acknowledged that UN peacekeepers may contribute to the spread of HIV. This may involve extensive education for troops before deployment, access to confidential testing and treatment and each person being issued one condom per day.
Men make up 80% of the estimated 7 million injection drug users in the world. Studies indicate that although men take HIV preventive measures while using drugs, they fail to do so while having sex. For many individuals, the difference between IDU and the sexual spread of HIV is not clear.
Male violence further drives the spread of HIV through wars and the migration they cause, as well as though for acts of violence. Millions of men a year are sexually violent towards women and girls, sometimes with their own families.
Male sex work is common in many countries although it is often hidden and denied since most male, sex trade workers men who have sex with other men The stigma associated with this area of work makes it difficult to reach men and their customers. Specialized outreach programs are important ways to reach this population.
MEN AND PREVENTION
The HIVAIDS epidemic has put men’s sexual behavior in the spotlight. Prevention is the only solution.
Most approaches to prevention have looked at the link between knowledge of risk and behavior change. Most have managed to increase knowledge and awareness of HIV via prevention and awareness campaigns. The major studies show that there has been the failure to achieve behavior change.
Research has shown that there are a number of barriers to the adoption of risk-reduction strategies. Many of them form and are reinforced by gender roles and socioeconomic inequalities.
One of these barriers to behavior change is the concept of masculinity and machismo. This refers to the ideas of what it is to be a man. Male sexuality is often portrayed as unrestrained and unrestrainable.
This conception of male sexuality may be damaging to men. Efforts to increase consistent condom use may be made futile by stereotypes about male sexual response. In one study, men in South America expressed that they know and believed that condom use was important but were hesitant to refuse sex without a condom, as this might mean there were unmanly.
Many cultures consider the initiation of sex to be the man’s responsibility. These gender-role expectations destroy negotiations. While lack of knowledge and sexual inexperience remain highly valued for young women, men may be stigmatized if they cannot demonstrate having had a wide sexual experience.
Acceptance about social norms about “regular” or steady partners may also impede the use of condoms. Notions such as trust and romance make it difficult to introduce a discussion of condom use without bringing up issues of infidelity and mistrust.
Another barrier is assumptions about women’s sexual history. Men professed to make judgments about the “cleanliness" of women. Women who wore too much make-up and “failed” to resist their advances were considered suspect and condoms were often used. On the other hand, women who dressed sedately and refused sex on an initial encounter were deemed sage and condoms were not often used. This is consistent with findings that condoms were often used with sex workers but rarely with regular partners.
Other barriers to condom use include beliefs that condoms compromise the pleasures of sex, are unnatural, and spoil spontaneity. Embarrassment about purchasing condoms has been found to be an issue for young people and for cultures where sexual discussions are taboo.
REACHING MEN
Men are a divers group of individuals. They reflect the spectrum of humanity, from kind and caring to abusive. While some men spread STD’s to their partners or act in other harmful ways, most men do not. It is important that programs abandon stereotypes of men and learn more about their concerns and needs, especially when designing different groups of men.
A number of researchers and community groups have recognized the importance of involving men in programs to prevent HIV infection, as well as to address the broader inequalities which pose a risk to sexual health. One of the important gaps in research is the absence of clear information about men’s attitudes towards sex and sexuality. We know more about men’s perspectives and interests if we are to engage them productively.
Women have reported that men are reluctant to use condoms but little is known about men’s reasons. For example, South Africa reported that men could become violent or coercive if condom use was requested. A pilot project analyzed their reaction to requests for condom use. Their responses indicated that they were not against condom use, but more about the importance of timing the request. They unanimously agreed that if the request to use a condom was made before sex occurred there were much more likely to respond favourably. This is important information, which can benefit women.
STRATAGIES TO INCREASE MEN’S PARTICIPATION
Reach out to young and unmarried men.
Worldwide, one in four people with HIV is a young man under the age 25. Men are more likely to maintain safer sex practices and they initiate them at an early age. To meet the needs of young men, programs must learn about men’s perception and responsibilities as sex partners.
Programs must also assess what young men actually know about sexual health and start at their level. Many programs make the assumption that young men understand the basics around sexual intercourse but this man not be the case. Machismo may make it difficult for young men to acknowledge that they are actually lacking information about it. Another strategy which has been suggested is the training of young men to work as peer health educators.
Allowing men to talk about their problems in a safe environment is an important first step to reaching men with the messages. To this end, some clinics have started offering men-only nights, while other clinics are offering serving in conjunction with sports events, military facilities and juvenile justice centers.
BIOLOGICAL FACTORS
If is estimated that between 75-85% of HIV cases worldwide have been contracted via sexual contact. Globally, HIV have been spread via heterosexual contact.
CIRCUMCISION
There is a growing body of epidemiological evidence which shows that uncircumcised men are at a much greater rate becoming infected with HIV that circumcised men.
Why are uncircumcised men at risk?
Uncircumcised men are susceptible to STD’s via the following mechanism: The frenulum, the thin band connecting the foreskin to the glands is made up of highly vascularised (containing many blood vessels) tissue. This makes it susceptible to trauma during intercourse and lesions produced by other sexually transmitted diseases.
This fragile are contains Langerhan’s cells which have HIV receptors. This area is likely to be the reason that uncircumcised men are at greater risk of HIV and other STD’s.
Circumcision has also been shown to protect against other sexually transmitted infections. The presence of another STD can increase the risk of HIC transmission by up to 5 times. In uncircumcised men infection may occur directly through the foreskin of the uncircumcised penis, which has limited mucosal immunity. Washing under the foreskin before and after wearing a condom during high-risk activities reduces risk.
Although condoms must remain the first choice for preventing the transmission if sexually transmitted infections and HIV, they are often not used correctly of consistently and there may be strong cultural objections to using them. As well, religious attitudes towards male circumcision are even more deeply held but in light of the evidence that circumcision offers some protection against HIV, circumcising males seems highly desirable, especially in countries with high levels of infection.
MEN WHO HAVE SEX WITH MEN (MSM)
Data from provincial resting reports indicates MSM are less likely to contract HIV in 1999 than in earlier years (Alberta Health and Wellness, 1999). From 1985 to 1994, 74.6% of new HIV diagnoses were among MSM, but by 1999 that number had dropped significantly to 25.7%. In Alberta, MSM account for 11% of all new HIV diagnoses (Health Canada, 1999) there continue to be causes for concern for MSM, particularly in rural areas. Same-sex encounters are often kept quiet and thus are not discussed with health professionals who could counsel them in methods of protection. Men may be from rural areas to take part in sexual activities in large cities where they are most likely to encounter HIV positive men (DeCarlo, 1997). Rural rates of HIV have the potential to skyrocket, as seen in the rural south of the United States, 44% of HIV positive men had engaged in unprotected sex with a same partner (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, 1998).
HETEROSEXUAL POPULATIONS
HIV or AIDS cases are often reported as stemming from unknown risk factors. In many cases, the risk factor is determined to be unprotected heterosexual sex. Between 1985 and 1994, heterosexual contact accounted for only a few reported positive HIV test reports, but in the first six months of 1999 that number has risen to 18.3% of test reported (Health Canada, 1999). This suggests that individuals may not be aware of the risk posed by their partners and/or that health professionals are not recognizing this risk.
Data indicates that a significant proportion of couples do not use condoms regularly. In 1997, a survey showed that those who reported having one or more non-regular partners in the previous, 27.7% of men and 28.1 of women used a condom the last time they has sexual intercourse (Health Canada, 1999). In the rural context, a 1998 study indicated that in the rural United States, 69% of HIV positive men and 98% of HIV positive women had engaged in unprotected sex with an opposite-sex partner (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1998).
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WOMEN & HIV
HIV/AIDS and WOMEN
Due to the initial prevalence of HIV and AIDS among gay men, it has taken many years for health professionals, and the public in general to recognize women as a group at risk. Though steps have been taken towards ensuring programs and services, there are still many issues to women which require further study. HIV rates among women have risen quickly in Canada.
THE STATISTICS.
By the year 2000, over 13 million women worldwide will have been infected with HIV globally. Four million women have died of AIDS. The global tally of people infected with HIV will be between 30 and 40 million people. The number of women infected with HIV is climbing rapidly. Women are also becoming infected at a significantly younger age than men. On average, women become infected years earlier than men. In many countries, 60% of all new HIV infections are among women 15 to 24 years old. Women are among the fastest growing groups of HIV infected people today. In 1995, women accounted for 19.4% of new positive HIV diagnoses. By 1999, that number had climbed to over 30%.
THE REASONS
Women are biologically more vulnerable than men to HIV infection. Studies have found that male to female transmission to be two to four times more likely than female to male transmission. Young girls are particularly vulnerable. Women who are HIV positive also risk transmitting the virus to their unborn babies.
WOMEN AND TESTING
Doctors seldom compile sexual histories and often fail to offer HIV tests to White or Asian women because these do not fit the stereotype of a person at risk for HIV. As a result, these women were more likely to be infected without knowing and therefore, enter the healthcare system only when they became ill.
THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE AND VIRAL LOAD
Viral load in the cervical fluid is highest during active menstruation and lowest during the week following menstruation. The level of cell-free virus (HIV virus is not attached to any cell) is highest “mid-cycle”, and again at menses.
WOMEN AND HETEROSEXUAL EXPOSURE
HIV or AIDS cases are often reported as stemming from “no known risk factors”, however are subsequently determined to be from unprotected heterosexual sex. Another concern for women is that HIV is more easily transmitted from men to women than from women to men due to the greater exposed surface area of female genital tract and the higher likelihood for small abrasions through which the virus might pass. Another factor is the length of time seminal fluid may remain in the vagina.
WOMEN WHO HAVE SEX WITH WOMEN
Sexual transmission of HIV from woman to woman appears to be rare, however, contact between vaginal fluids, blood and sores or cuts in the mouth or vaginal tissue can pose a risk. The risk is increased during early and late stages of HIV/AIDS, as viral load appears to increase during these stages.
HIV AND PREGNANCY
If a pregnant woman is found to be HIV positive, HIV medication (AZT) can be taken by the mother and by the fetus to reduce the likelihood of prenatal (mother-to-child) transmission. Unfortunately, health care budgets in less affluent areas restrict access to these medications and thus prenatal transmission is very high in Africa and Southeast Asia.
PREVENTION STRATEGIES FOR WOMEN
Lack of partner cooperation with condom use, poverty issues, adherence to rigid gender norms, emotional, social, and dependency of women on their partners, abusive relationships, and the assumption of a partner's monogamy can cause difficulties in prevention. These problems have led to the development of social and mechanical woman-initiated and specific protection.
MALARIA PROGRAM
* Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected mosquitoes.
* A child dies of malaria every 30 seconds.
* There were 247 million cases of malaria in 2006, resulting in 1.5-2.7 million deaths yearly
* Malaria is preventable and curable.
* Approximately half of the world’s population is at risk of malaria, particularly those living in lower-income countries.
* Travelers from malaria-free areas to disease "hot spots" are especially vulnerable to the disease.
* Malaria has been shown to have a significant impact on the economic growth of affected populations, costing Africa an estimated $12 billion in lost GDP growth every year
* Sensitize and educate public on crucial malaria issues;
* Carry malaria-related messages to the grassroots;
* Create awareness on causes and costs of malaria hazard on the people and economy of the nation;
* Keep the public fully informed on recent research results, medication, and other malaria prevention and eradication efforts;
Conduct robust media advocacy campaigns, with view of attaining very strategic results in the fight against malaria. MPYRAA’s Malaria Prevention Project MPYRAA resource persons distributing free mosquito nets and other gifts to school children. MPYRAA has provided free mosquito nets to school children and pregnant women through prenatal clinics. We distribute nets treated with safe long-lasting insecticide as recommended by the World Health Organization. Such nets are highly effective as they establish a zone of protection, which covers the people sleeping under the net as well as anyone in the same household. By providing the nets through prenatal clinics MPYRAA gives an incentive for women to seek early prenatal services, including voluntary HIV counseling and testing. MPYRAA shall ensure the continued effectiveness of its program by monitoring the distribution of the nets at the clinic; by conducting random home visits to ensure that the nets are used properly; and through the analysis of data collected from participating clinics. We are presently working hard to get an initial push to start with this salient project. We greatly welcome all donations (financial, material and equipment) that will enable us successful carry out this malaria local campaign. Every cent of your donation will assist us to buy a bed-net to protect a pregnant woman or a child.
