Tropical Medicine & Surgery

Overcoming Obstacles: The Challenges Faced by People Living With HIV/AIDS

Yoshitaka Unoki^* Department of Human Environmental Studies, Hiroshima Shudo University, Ozuka-higashi, Hiroshima, Japan
^*Correspondence: Yoshitaka Unoki, Department of Human Environmental Studies, Hiroshima Shudo University, Ozuka-higashi, Hiroshima, Japan, Email:

Received: 01-Mar-2023, Manuscript No. TPMS-23-20693; Editor assigned: 06-Mar-2023, Pre QC No. TPMS-23-20693(PQ); Reviewed: 20-Mar-2023, QC No. TPMS-23-20693; Revised: 27-Mar-2023, Manuscript No. TPMS-23-20693(R); Published: 03-Apr-2023, DOI: 10.35248/2329-9088.23.11.299

Description

People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) continue to face numerous challenges and obstacles despite significant advancements in treatment and prevention. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) attacks the body's immune system and weakens its ability to fight off infections and diseases. AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the most advanced stage of HIV, which occurs when the virus has severely damaged the immune system. In this essay, we will discuss the challenges and issues faced by PLWHA, the progress made in HIV/AIDS treatment, and the role of education and awareness in fighting against the disease. Early in the 20th century, the HIV virus, which causes AIDS, had spread from chimpanzees to humans in Africa. The first known instance of HIV-1 infection in human blood was discovered in 1959 and came from a sample collected from a man who had passed away in Kinshasa, in what was then the Belgian Congo.

One of the biggest challenges that PLWHA face is stigma and discrimination. HIV/AIDS is still viewed as a taboo topic in many parts of the world, leading to fear and ignorance about the disease. Many people living with HIV/AIDS face social exclusion, discrimination, and even violence, which can further exacerbate the negative impact of the disease on their physical and mental health. In some communities, HIV/AIDS is still associated with promiscuity, drug use, and homosexuality, leading to ostracization and shame for those who have the disease.

Another challenge that PLWHA face is access to healthcare. While treatment options have improved significantly over the years, many people living with HIV/AIDS still face challenges in accessing appropriate medical care. This may be due to a lack of resources, lack of insurance coverage, or even discrimination by healthcare providers. The high cost of Anti Retroviral Therapy (ART) also makes it difficult for many PLWHA to access the treatment they need.

Despite these challenges, significant progress has been made in the treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS. ART has been shown to be highly effective in suppressing the virus and improving the quality of life for PLWHA. Additionally, Pre- Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) has been developed, which is a medication that can be taken by people who are at risk of contracting HIV to prevent them from becoming infected. Increased access to education and awareness campaigns has also contributed to the prevention of new infections and reduced the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS.

Education and awareness are essential in the fight against HIV/ AIDS. Educating people about the disease and how it spreads can help reduce the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS and encourage more people to get tested and seek appropriate medical care. It is important to emphasize that HIV/AIDS can affect anyone, regardless of their gender, race, or sexual orientation. By promoting a culture of inclusivity and acceptance, we can create a more supportive environment for PLWHA.

In conclusion, people living with HIV/AIDS face numerous challenges, including stigma and discrimination, limited access to healthcare, and the high cost of treatment. However, significant progress has been made in the treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS, and education and awareness campaigns have played a crucial role in reducing the negative impact of the disease. We must continue to work together to support PLWHA and create a more inclusive and accepting society, free from the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS.