Aids in Africa Essay 15

Introduction
Every day, 14,000 people are infected with AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. Why is it that there is such an epidemic occurring in Africa and no where else? Some accuse Pope John Paul II for this crime. He was mostly criticized for reminding the Catholic community that using protection such as condoms were against the biblical law. As God created it, all things should be natural, including sex. As the pope stressed this many times again, certain areas of the public believe that most of Africa has listened to him and for the past 20 years has never used protection.
The history behind AIDS is that scientists, doctors, and researchers for the most part believe that AIDS originated in Africa. Most say that historical African medical practices of smearing monkey blood onto open wounds on their bodies would help heal the cuts better. This is known as the “cut hunter theory.” They say that a similar virus, such as SIVcpz, may have transmitted from the monkey blood and eventually evolved over time. The first case of the infection was found in 1959 and has been a wonder to scientists on how to cure it (O’Neill, 2005).
Although the disease exists all over the world, there has to be some reason why Africa is being so badly hit with this epidemic. Why is AIDS so prevalent in Africa? Many factors contribute to this hypothesis but none of them seem to be an issue in other countries like the United States. Poverty is widespread across the country and plays a role in spreading this deadly disease quicker than it should. The lack of education offered in Africa over the other countries blocks off many paths of knowledge that can be restored to spread the voice of a healthier community. If these Africans knew anything about the prevention of AIDS, maybe they could take a stand. Throughout Africa, many different cultures collide. A particular male dominant society expands across most of the land. Women acting as objects of the men may need to be changed in the near... [continues]

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