HIV AIDS

HIV/Aids among Health Care Workers in Sub-Saharan Africa

HIV/Aids among Health Care Workers in Sub-Saharan Africa

Introduction

HIV aids cannot be revered as the disease of modern times; it had always existed in our world. The only difference is that mankind did not acknowledge its existence until 1981. Amongst the major natural causes of mortality in the world, in both the ancient and modern times, is HIV aids; most importantly in the Least Developed countries, amongst which sub-Saharan Africa, is the most prominent victim. This assignment will summarise the dire effects of HIV/AIDS on the Health Care Workers (HCWs), as these individuals are amongst the primary victims, besides the actual patients.

Definition and Importance of Hcws

HCWs can be defined as persons who work in hospitals or health centres, and provide their services for the facilitation of the patients. HCWs are vital to the existence of health services, quality and promotion of health, preventing and treating illnesses. Therefore, all countries are encouraged to ensure that they have the right number of HCWs who are in good health and possess the right skills to provide superior quality services, to patients (WHO, 2006a).

Moreover, when it comes to the provision of human resources in public health, gender is a crucial issue. Amongst the major steps taken regarding the health care sector was the reduction of gender inequality, in the form of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and now the stats speak for themselves, as almost 80% of the health care workers in Saharan Africa are women.

The Impact Hiv/Aids Has On Hcws

WHO also express that sub-Saharan Africa is encompasses almost 25% of the total diseases existing in the world; and amongst those diseases, HIV aids, is the most prevalent one.

The devastating diseases has not only disrupted a colourful life of numerous individuals in their prime stage of lives, but has not even spared the individuals whose sole objective of life is to help and assist those who are in utter despair. Since the health care, worker in Africa, work closely to patients suffering from this life threatening disease; therefore, they possess equal chances of being the victim of this disease themselves in the long run; mainly because the health and preventive measures in the Saharan Africa are not the adequate and free from danger.

The impact on the HCWs is not only confined to the health issues, but also regarding the added pressure and responsibility on them; for instance, the ...