AIDS in Africa
Corey Kern
Issue date: 5/5/09 Section: Viewpoint
Most Americans have heard of this devastating incurable disease called "AIDS" which stands for acquired immune deficiency syndrome. This disease has become a worldwide epidemic, eating away at its victims' immune systems as it slowly deteriorates the body.
But where did AIDS come from?
There has been many different theroies, stories, and myths that people have come up with regarding AIDS, such as, "AIDS started by a man having sex with a monkey." As bizarre as that sounds, lets be a little realistic, it's just a story, so don't rely on it.
Scientists over the years cannot pinpoint how the HIV virus came about, but the majority of scientist believe that AIDS originated in Africa. There is a disease found in primates called SIV (Simian Immunodeficiency Virus) which has the same structure as HIV.
Another similarity these two viruses share is they are trasmitted in the same way. Scientists have tried to determine how humans came into contact with the virus, and came up with the belief of the "cut hunter theory."
African hunters were believed to get wounds and accidently cut themselves while preparing to capture a chimpanze.
I guess the real answer is we will never know how AIDS spread to people. Currently, AIDS has taken a dramatic toll on the Sub-Saharran part of Africa. It is estimated that one tenth of the adult population ages 15-49 is infected with the human immunodeficiency virus, HIV. HIV is a virus that can lead to AIDS.
With limited sufficient sources of health sevices, HIV is spreading rapidly throughout Africa. Did you know some Africans belive that in order to cure HIV they need to have sex with a virgin? With a lack of sexual eduaction in Africa, it is difficult to prevent the disease from spreading.
There is no cure for AIDS, but you may be asking yourself how you can help? By contributing donations to organizations that will help send aid in Africa, a small helping hand can help the ones in this time of need. For more information visit: www.Worldvision.org
But where did AIDS come from?
There has been many different theroies, stories, and myths that people have come up with regarding AIDS, such as, "AIDS started by a man having sex with a monkey." As bizarre as that sounds, lets be a little realistic, it's just a story, so don't rely on it.
Scientists over the years cannot pinpoint how the HIV virus came about, but the majority of scientist believe that AIDS originated in Africa. There is a disease found in primates called SIV (Simian Immunodeficiency Virus) which has the same structure as HIV.
Another similarity these two viruses share is they are trasmitted in the same way. Scientists have tried to determine how humans came into contact with the virus, and came up with the belief of the "cut hunter theory."
African hunters were believed to get wounds and accidently cut themselves while preparing to capture a chimpanze.
I guess the real answer is we will never know how AIDS spread to people. Currently, AIDS has taken a dramatic toll on the Sub-Saharran part of Africa. It is estimated that one tenth of the adult population ages 15-49 is infected with the human immunodeficiency virus, HIV. HIV is a virus that can lead to AIDS.
With limited sufficient sources of health sevices, HIV is spreading rapidly throughout Africa. Did you know some Africans belive that in order to cure HIV they need to have sex with a virgin? With a lack of sexual eduaction in Africa, it is difficult to prevent the disease from spreading.
There is no cure for AIDS, but you may be asking yourself how you can help? By contributing donations to organizations that will help send aid in Africa, a small helping hand can help the ones in this time of need. For more information visit: www.Worldvision.org
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