HIV & AIDS

AIDS is an acronym for Acquired ImmunoDeficiency Syndrome. This disease is caused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Infection occurs through contact with body fluids of an infected individual, most commonly through sexual contact or the practice of sharing needles while using IV drugs. AIDS has received a stigma as being a disease primarily of homosexual males; however, it is more frequently infecting heterosexuals. In fact, in Africa heterosexual transmission is the most common means by which the virus is spread. HIV infection is extremely prevalent throughout most of Africa. In Cameroon, the prevalence is estimated by UNICEF to be about 7%.

As of 2003, AIDS has surpassed malaria as the leading cause of death in Bawa, being responsible for 41.5% of all deaths in the village in 2003 and 2004. Among the 21 to 50 year old age group, AIDS is responsible for 68.8% of all deaths. In Bawa, AIDS causes more deaths in women than in men (22 vs 13 for the past two years). This is probably a reflection of polygamous relations characteristic of family structuring in Bawa.

We do not currently have any data on HIV infection rates in the village of BAWA. The high mortality rate recorded suggests that the prevalence is extremely high. Determination of the actual prevalence and epidemiological profile of HIV infection is an important part of the health survey that we plan to conduct in December 2005 and January 2006.

If funds become available for medication, we plan to treat infected individuals. In any event, we are planning an aggressive education campaign aimed at minimizing further spread of the virus through the community.