Hiv/Aids JSS1 Social Studies Lesson Note

HIV/AIDS

HIV causes AIDS. HIV means Human Immune Deficiency Virus. This is the virus that attacks the immune system of the human body and eventually results in AIDS.  

AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome and this is the final stage of HIV. AIDS is a serious condition in which the body’s ability to fight off illness is destroyed. People with aids are prone to many health problems. AIDS is a deadly disease that has no known cure, but there are antiretroviral drugs that can help the carrier stay healthy and live longer than he/she would have with the infection.  

AIDS is not a hereditary disease but it is acquired which means it is bought through transmission from one person to another via blood fluid. It is acquired along the path of life and through certain risky behaviors. AIDS affects the body’s defense mechanism or immune system, which is the part of the body that fights off germs such as bacteria and viruses. It weakens the system and makes it deficient, that is, not work properly. AIDS as a disease was discovered in America in 1981 and in Nigeria in 1986. 

Causes of HIV/AIDS 

Ways of transmission 

1. Through sexual intercourse with an infected person 
2. Through the transfusion of unscreened blood 
3. Sharing contaminated needles, syringes, blades, etc. HIV transmission occurs when a person is exposed to the body fluid infected with the virus such as blood, semen, vagina secretion, and breast milk. 
4. Transfer of the virus from mother to child during pregnancy or through breastfeeding. 

Symptoms of HIV/AIDS 

Patient Symptoms are signs that show somebody may likely be suffering from HIV/AIDS. 

These include: 

1. Loss of weight 
2. Acute fever and headache 
3. Rashes on the skin, sore throat, mouth, and nose. 
4. Prolonged night sweats 
5. Dry cough 
6. Prolonged diarrhea for more than a week. 
7. Pneumonia 
8. Loss of memory 
9. Loss of appetite. 
10. Enlarged glands in the neck, groin, or armpit 
11. White coating on the tongue 

But any of these signs can stand on themselves and be treated for what they are. When about three of them occur at the same time, it would be wise to visit a doctor or health worker and be tested for HIV/AIDS. Everyone is at risk of this disease but some have a greater chance of contracting the dreaded disease. 

For instance, are those that engage in: 

1. Illicit sex 
2. Having multiple sexual partners 
3. Sharing skin-piercing objects 
4. Being ignorant of the disease 
5. Receiving unscreened blood transfusion 

Effects of HIV/AIDS on the victims 

1. It can kill the victim 
2. The victim may face discrimination and rejection even by family members. 
3. Nutrient absorption is reduced.
4. It tarnishes the image of the victim’s family 
5. The victim may spread the virus to others. 
6. It brings illness and suffering. 

Prevention and Control of HIV/AIDS 

1. The most effective preventive method is abstinence, that is, refusing sexual intercourse until one gets married. 
2. Early diagnosis and treatment prevent HIV from degenerating into full-blown AIDS 
3. Women who are HIV positive to seek medical advice before getting pregnant. 
4. Youths to run away from hard drugs. 
5. Infected mothers not to breastfeed 
6. Blood oath-taking to be discouraged 
7. Anti-retroviral drugs to be made available and affordable in all our health institutions 
8. Daily physical exercises to be encouraged. 
9. Daily consumption of fruits and vegetables to be practiced. 
10. We must say NO to female genital mutilation 
11. Blood to be transfused must be screened. 
12. Play safe and use condoms to avoid all sexually transmitted infections 

Care for people living with HIV/AIDS 

People who are HIV positive need our support, we must care for them, show them love, accept them, and not discriminate against them or stigmatize them, pray for them, and support them financially. Also, they must have full rights as citizens of our country and get the same treatment as those who are not positive. 

HIV/AIDS is not transmitted through ordinary contact with an infected person like shaking hands, hugging, mosquito bites, eating together or sharing plates and cups, sharing clothes, toilet seats, swimming together with an infected person, etc.

CORRUPTION 

Corruption – This means illegal and dishonest activities, especially by those occupying public posts. Some people think that corruption is endemic, not only in Nigeria or Africa as a continent but also in the advanced countries of the world. That is, a cross faith, religious denomination, and political systems affect both young and old and even women alike. But some people are more corrupt than others. 

A corrupt practice is a practice that violates written rules for personal gains and profits. It is also an attempt to secure wealth and power through illegal means. Private gain at public expense is corruption and misuse of public power for private profit.  

Osoba 1996 defines corruption as an antisocial behavior conferring improper benefits contrary to legal and moral norms that undermine the authorities to improve the living conduct of the people. 

Corruption has occurred in various forms in Nigeria and this has contributed to a large extent to the poverty and misery levels of many Nigerians. It can be seen in any of the following: 

1. Habitual lateness to school or work 
2. The use of government hours for personal work 
3. The use of sex as a strategy from female students of applicants or contractors to secure passes, employment, promotion, or contracts. 
4. Demanding and receiving money from students or applicants, contractors, etc. to allocate marks or other resources without applying the principle of due process and code of conduct. 
5. Manipulation of examination or election results to favor somebody who did not participate in the exercise. 
6. Inflation of contract figures to receive kickbacks from the exact amount. 
7. Misappropriation of public funds in any form. 
8. Forgery, falsification of results, certificates, age documents, and having an undue advantage to favor friends and relations who do not qualify to receive such opportunities. 
9. Burning of documents, buildings, etc. to cover up wrong dealings in public offices. 
10. Pretending to be the highest donor in the church, village, or any ceremony with the sole aim of hijacking the contract and executing poor work. 
11. Favoritism – this means being biased in the distribution of state resources. 
12. Nepotism – It is a type of favoritism where a public office holder prefers his/her kinfolk and family members. 

Causes of Corruption 

1. Greed – People are never satisfied with what they have. 
2. When political office is the primary means of gaining access to wealth. 
3. Uneven distribution of wealth. 
4. Absence of a strong sense of national community. 
5. Poor reward system 

The solutions to Corruption Practices 

1. People must develop the habit of being open in their dealings with people, with no secrecy. 
2. Things must be done by merit, not tribe. 

Bodies that fight corruption in Nigeria 

1. Economic and Financial Crimes Commission – EFCC 
2. Independent Corrupt Practices Commission – ICPC. 
3. Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) 
4. War Against Indiscipline and Corruption (WAIC) 
5. Public Complaints Commission