Be Aware: Your neighbor might be "HIV-Aids Positive"
By Mach Samuel Peter, Bor, Jonglei State
HIV Aids victim
January 22nd 2016 SSB) —- Did you know that over 1, 000 people are currently living with HIV/Aids in Bor town of Jonglei state? The number of the infected population in the villages and cattle camps is yet to be assessed.
180 people lived with HIV Aids in 2010, the number rose to 785 in 2015, and 1,067 by the end of last year 2016. The infection rate is said to be 3% of the current population. Given the nomadic background, use of condom is an abuse; however the velocity of the infection in our youngsters must be extremely high.
Out of the 1,067 infected people, only 599 are registered in the state hospital for monthly drug supply. The rest vanished with the stigma into the community.
There is limited understanding because little effort has been made to sensitize the citizens on the preliminary measures of prevention of HIV Aids, Key stakeholders similar to Jonglei Institute for Peace, Democracy and Development have a critical role to inform, educate and empower South Sudanese citizens.
Since the conflict erupted in South Sudan little or no effort has been exerted to curb the on-going spread of HIV aids in Jonglei State. However, death rate is expected to increase by next year since the stigma is common in cattle camps, swampy areas and villages where people have no access to information and use of condom is misunderstood.
In South Sudan HIV/AIDS is a significant problem affecting many communities? However, this data may not be conclusive, due to small sample sizes and differences in testing methodology. The testing does not reach the people in cattle camps and villages but rather it has been stationed at Bor State hospital. Therefore, it is probable that the percentage of people with HIV/AIDS is higher, which presents additional challenges for people working on HIV/AIDS issues in the state. Besides there is lack of data combined with little knowledge about the disease among the population.
HIV and AIDS awareness is exceptionally low in Jonglei state and there is a lot of stigma attached with HIV/AIDS so most people can’t talk about it freely. It is very unfortunate that very young girls of 13-15 years were being pinpointed HIV/AIDS positive in our churches meanwhile the cattle keepers have also carried it to the villages and cattle camps.
Last year, 84 pregnant women were found HIV positive, but only three were coming for drugs, while 81 never showed up and they must be roaming around you in the community. If you do not device, you will be the next victim taking ARVs at Bor state hospital. Weeks later, you are buried at Bor Cemetery and your neighbors gather in your compound and say bye bye. Not only that but also your brothers or neighbors will take over your valuable properties including your wife and other valuable items.
Prevalence rate is high within ages 15 to 46. Watch-out your neighbor might be HIV Aids positive. Do not be lure into 2 minute sex that might cost your life.
This piece was written by Mach Samuel Peter reachable at machsamuelpeter@gmail.com
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No matter which agency fails, not matter which services are forced to close, no matter who depends on them-even if it’s life or death…the obvious truth is rauner doesn’t gaf.
It’s about him, his friends and his money.