The Aids Epidemic Of Haiti Essay - 1984 Words

When a fatal disease becomes known to a society but lacks explanation our instinct as humans is to jump to conclusions, whether they are logical or not. We bargain with our faith, we search for any evidence to support our conjectures, we deny the truth of the disease, and we place blame on each other. All of these desperate acts of justification are driven by fear—fear of the unknown. The combination of fear and ignorance that pushes people to make conclusions is readily notable in the AIDS epidemic of Haiti. Haitians reacted to AIDS in a similar manner as other cultures, but there are also differences that are specific to their community. Like many cultures, Haitians reasoned the occurrence of AIDS with explanations beyond the scope of medicine, with diseases that were known to them, or were instead in complete denial. The uniqueness of the occurrence of AIDS in Haiti was that there was no direct cause that could be addressed. Thus, while under significant scrutiny as the origin of AIDS, Haitians reacted to the epidemic by blaming the existence of AIDS on poor socioeconomic status, on sorcery, and on other people or countries. As part of their reaction to AIDS, Haitians had a propensity to attribute the existence of AIDS to poor populations. AIDS is indeed more prevalent among the lower socioeconomic class in Haiti, but the perception as to why this pattern occurred went beyond the simple interpretation that AIDS was a disease of the poor. In The Exotic and TheShow MoreRelatedAids : A Modern Interpretation Of The Aids1391 Words   |  6 Pagesmodern interpretation of the AIDS evolution, I found it difficult to be fully engaged with the immense amount of scientific information and terms. Despite the fact I do not have a positive opinion of the book, Pepin’s extensive knowledge and research is evident and bolsters his claims and his epidemiology. Pepin beings the book with the origins of AIDS, debunking the popular claims which spread throughout the United States. Secondly, Pepin introduces the way the AIDS epidemic spread and then completelyRead MoreEffectiveness Of Hiv Testing And Prevention Prog rams1510 Words   |  7 Pages Effectiveness of HIV Testing and Prevention Programs in Haiti HIV is a worldwide health issue. It is a major problem in the Caribbean, especially on the island of Haiti. Haiti has the highest rate of the disease in this region, with a 1.9% rate in people aged 15 to 49. It is spread in Haiti primarily through heterosexual contact, with mother to offspring transmission following in second. 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More than half a million people dies or was injured, and approximately 2Read MoreThe Epidemic Of The Aids Epidemic1438 Words   |  6 PagesThe AIDS Epidemic â€Å"According to the New England Journal, by September 1987, more than 40,000 cases of AIDS had been recognized in the United States and 50,000 cases in different countries.†(Swenson par. 1) The events that took place in the late 1980s and early 1990s changed the world as we knew it. It also challenged some of the greatest medical minds of that time, as they continually searched for a cure worldwide. An examination of primary and secondary sources will reveal the significance of theRead MoreHiv / Aids : Growing Epidemic Among African Americans1607 Words   |  7 PagesHIV/AIDS the growing epidemic among African Americans April Hampton Excelsior College ILSE SILVA-KROTT October 11, 2015 Abstract In my studies I have found that HIV/AIDS is one of the largest growing epidemics among African American’s. Along with the stigmas individuals have to face, there lay the unspoken thought process of â€Å"It wouldn’t or couldn’t happen to me†. Poverty, severe drug abuse, unprotected sex, and lack of education are just a few contributing factors toRead MoreHaitian Health Care : A Follow Up1683 Words   |  7 Pages Farmer’s Zanmi Lasante organization located in Haiti. What we may see as a measly tuberculosis shot in the USA, can mean saving an entire population in Haiti. Dr. Farmer noted in the Mountains beyond Mountains book (2003) written by Tracey Kidder, that Haiti has increased rates of infant mortality, tuberculosis, malnutrition, HIV and AIDS. In an article published by Sophie Arie; titled What’s next for Haiti’s healthcare? (2011) notes that, â€Å"Haiti has the highest rates of infant, under-five and maternalRead MoreMy Belove d Country Haiti Was Hit With A 7.0 Catastrophic Earthquake1433 Words   |  6 Pagesevents have occurred throughout time, in which I questioned why. Unfortunately we live in an unpredictable world. No matter what the meteorologist says about the weather, 5xs out of 10, they re inaccurate. In January 12 2010, my beloved country Haiti was hit with a 7.0 catastrophic earthquake, which not only affected the country but the entire world surrounding it. Whether you are Haitian-born, American-born with Haitian parents /descendants or even from a different nation/country, the events that