By Dr. Dokun Adedeji
Company Medical Doctor, CADBURY Nigeria PLC.
July 2005

Introduction

HIV/AIDS since it was first publicly acknowledged in 1983, has become something like a 'weapon of mass destruction' considering its devastating impact on man and its activities.

It is no more considered a health issue or emergency on the strength of its socio-economic ramifications.

The first Nigerian case, 1986 in LUTH. It has become the most devastating epidemic (Pandemic) ever faced by humankind.

Preamble

1. In 2003, more than a third of the estimated 40 million people living with HIV/AIDS worldwide, were young adults(15-40 years) - the working prime of the population, especially young women!

2. An estimated 5 million people became infected during 2003 alone!

3. Since the epidemic began, more than 60 million people have been infected, making HIV/AIDS an unprecedented health and development crisis!

4. ILO estimated in 2001 about 26 million working people infected - majority of this between 25 and 49 years.

For the 45 most affected countries in the world, their total expected population decline would be 97 million by 2015.

These countries have shown these common characteristics:

• Decline in gross national product

• A declining labour force

• High rates of worker absenteeism

Prevalence rate in Nigeria went from 3.1 to 5.8 in 2003 and down to 5.1 in 2005.

In spite of these grim and startling statistics, myriad opportunities are available to prevent or mitigate this impact as well as offer succor and support for the affected.

This will subsequently be our focus for the rest of this discussion along the following consideration:

1. Emotional and psychological support available

2. Stigma and Discrimination

3. Care of AIDS orphans and vulnerable children

4. Basic Nursing care

5. Networks and support groups

1. Emotional and Psychological Support

This involves everyone/anyone who comes in contact with the patient

• At home - the family, neighbours and friends.

• At work - superiors and colleagues.

• In church - spiritual leaders and various groups.

The patient expects understanding of his circumstance, true demonstration of love and affection, empathy and reassurance.

• Maintain social interactions/contact.

• Offer of financial support when necessary.

2. Stigma and Discrimination

• These will kill faster than the illness.

• Note that we are all at risk.

• Encourage healthy association and involvement.

• No need for isolation or special work area for the affected.

3. AIDS ORPHANS

Our models for the care of these unfortunate children should be the east African and south African approach.

• Create a conducive environment for their up-bringing.

• Provide home care and support.

• Offer opportunity for their education

• Allow for surrogacy and adoption

4. Basic Nursing Care

• Not any different from that offered 'regular' patients

• Medical care

• Nutritional care

• Emotional support

• Home care (when it becomes necessary).

5. Networks and Support Groups

Many may exist but caution is advised in picking one.

• Hope Worldwide - Yemi Osilaja

• NETPWHAN - Dr. Pat Matemilola

• AIDS Alliance in Nigeria

• PATA, Positive Action Treatment Alliance - Rolake Odetoyimbo

• HIV/AIDS in the Barracks - Sola Aregbesola

• Journalists' Alliance Against Mother - To - Child Transmission - Sola Ogundipe

• Chedcom - Wunmi Sina - Falana

• Portlar Care, Surulere - Ronke Afolabi

Conclusion
HIV/AIDS is not simply a health issue but a developmental emergency, particularly for the developing nationa already ravaged by poverty and other socio-economic minefields.

The mitigation of this epidemic should be total and global, involving all sectors of the human society. Hence, the need for this meeting today.

It is my hope that you will enlist in the Vanguard of the global fight against this human devastation. That should be your pledge today.

Thank You for your attention.