1.3 Aids: dreaded disease from africa

Social sciences: history

Grade 6

The development of medical science

Module 4

Aids: dreaded disease from africa

There still are many diseases that have not been cured. Every year people contract ‘flu and other illnesses from new viruses for which antidotes have yet to be found. Scientists continually work on new medicines to make our lives easier.

The two diseases feared by most people today, are cancer and AIDS. Much research has been done regarding these diseases and many patients who suffer from it, have been cured or have had their lives extended.

Activity 1:

To understand the different causes and consequences of aids

[lo 2.2]

a) HIV/AIDS

Aids is the most dreaded disease of our times. It is said that more than 1 000 people contract this virus in South Africa per day. The problem is that scientists have not yet found an antidote for AIDS. People who contract this disease, may die from it.

b) What is HIV/AIDS?

AIDS infects the body by entering the bloodstream and breaking down the immune system so that the body cannot fight germs any longer. AIDS in itself cannot cause death, but it weakens the body so much that other illnesses can cause an infected person’s death.

c) How can you contract AIDS?

Have a class discussion on ways the disease is transmitted.

Homosexual contact

Heterosexual contact

Blood and blood products

Transfer at birth

Sharing contaminated hypodermic needles

d) Assignment on the results of AIDS

Study the following illustrations and discuss them in your groups . Then have a class discussion on the following topics. REMEMBER : Don’t think of this as a joke, but as a way of discovering more about this disease, so that people can avoid contracting AIDS.

A = acquired (to obtain)

I = immune (resistance to disease)

D = deficiency (shortage)

S = syndrome (a combination of symptoms that indicate a particular disease or disorder)

How does this disease work?

Body’s soldier

Kills germs

Body’s soldier dead. Other germs penetrate the body

e) Which precautionary measures related to hygiene must be taken at all times? Discuss the following in pairs.

VERY IMPORTANT

You do not have to worry about contracting AIDS. If you avoid the situations that can lead to AIDS and follow the precautions, you can rest assured and carry on normally with your life. If people live carelessly, the possibility that they may contract AIDS is always there.

BE CAREFUL AND BE SURE!

f) As an authority you have been asked to write a short article for an international publication about the seriousness of AIDS in South Africa. First explain briefly the causes and consequences, then suggest a plan of action to address the problem effectively.

Assessment