The 10 Common Misconceptions about HIV/ Aids

South Africa is facing a huge challenge regarding HIV and Aids. While this is a prominent health concern; South Africa is believed to have more people living with HIV/AIDS than any other country in the world. The 2007 UNAIDS report estimated that 5,700,000 South Africans had HIV/AIDS, or just under 12% of South Africa’s population of 48 million . In this article, we read about the myths of HIV and Aids with the aim of correcting.

1. HIV is mostly a disease of homosexual men. Primarily spread by
heterosexual sex, HIV now infects as many women as men
worldwide.

2. HIV and AIDS are mostly an African problem. Found in every
country in the world, HIV infections are growing most rapidly in
countries outside of Africa, including India and Russia.

3. HIV spreads mostly because of poor moral choices. Women are
often infected by their husbands, and children most often contract
HIV by being born to HIV-positive mothers.

4. Plenty of money is being spent on fighting HIV and AIDS. While a
great deal of money is being spent by governments, private
organizations, and individuals to fight HIV and AIDS, much more
is needed.
5. HIV and AIDS are no longer a problem in the United States.
Because antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) are widely available in the
United States, the death rate has decreased. But the number of
people living with HIV or AIDS in the United States has not
decreased, and the rate of new infections is not going down.
6. ARVs are widely available. While antiretrovirals are becoming
more available, they are still difficult to find and afford in many
rural areas and in some countries. Both the drugs and the health
care workers to administer them are needed in many poor
countries.
7. A cure exists for AIDS. While there are treatments to prolong life,
there is no cure.
8. There is no hope for those with HIV and AIDS. Great progress is
being made in treatments, and the rate of infant infection is
dropping rapidly. There is also a dropping rate of new infections
in many countries with strong prevention programs.
9. If I’m not HIV-positive, the disease doesn’t affect me. The high
rate of HIV and AIDS infections is causing instability in many
countries and reversing the progress made in development. It is
also causing a worldwide tuberculosis pandemic. Everyone is
affected by the pandemic.
10. There’s nothing I can do. Everyone can do something. First,
become educated. Then help teach others in your church, school,
or community. Help support an organization working to stop the
spread of HIV, or help support groups that care for AIDS orphans.