HIV/AIDS The prevalence of HIV in Tanzania is a snapshot of what is seen throughout Africa. Millions of people are infected with thousands of new cases reported each year. I stress the word "reported" as I wonder how many cases are never reported. Caring for people with HIV/AIDS is a burden on the country and the healthcare system. This burden is shared by the family members as they care for their loved ones in the home.
The website linked to visit is full of information on the HIV epidemic and the impact on Tanzania. Despite the resources that are available there is still the battle of the stigma that surrounds this disease. This stigma can be strong enough to prevent seeking the testing and treatment needed. People will not want to be seen entering the clinics or attend education classes even when the educators go to the villages. I spoke with an AIDS educator in Arusha who felt the HIV incidence was on the rise and felt that one of the reasons was the improved transportation infrastructure into the remote and rural areas of the country. She traveled to the remote villages and would have poor reception to her classes.
The family caregivers must experience great frustration as they attempt to provide care with such limited resources for the basics of food, water, and toileting. The water has to be carried in a bucket long distances and be used for drinking, cooking, bathing, and washing. Universal precautions such as gloves are not readily available. Easy access to the health clinics is another difficulty encountered. Public transportation costs money and is primarily limited to overcrowded buses. The distance to travel is long and often too difficult for the ill person to endure. Home care programs are available however due to the limited resources and poor accessibility this is an ineffective assistance. This again would lead to the overwhelming need for prevention through education.
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