Hiv, Aids, District Of Columbia - 1873 Words

HIV continues to be a global epidemic but the District of Columbia has seen its own epidemic with some of the highest rates of infection in the U.S. HIV/AIDS is a top health problem for health officials in the District of Columbia as many parts of the area face poverty, violence, and limited resources. This paper will introduce the HIV virus by discussing its brief history, the stages, and the current medication available. The District of Columbia will be the center of discussion as the reasons for the high rates; barriers to prevention, and prevention programs are discussed for this specific area and its population. The current prevention program and the measures of effectiveness will conclude this paper. Keywords: HIV, AIDS, District of Columbia HIV Epidemic Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or better known as HIV, has been in the United States since the mid to late 1970’s. HIV, if left untreated can lead to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome or AIDS. Once HIV is contracted it is a life-long disease and as of today there is no cure for the virus. The virus works by destroying CD4, or T cells, and eventually destroys enough to break down the body’s ability to fight off infection and disease. If left untreated the virus will break down the CD4 cells and once these cell levels drop below 200 cells per cubic millimeters of blood you are then considered to have developed AIDS (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014). The virus is thought to of come from WestShow MoreRelatedMy Awakening And Public Health848 Words   |  4 Pagespublic health occurred in junior high school when one of my close friends disclosed to me that he contracted HIV from his partner who did not disclose his status. As a senior exit proje ct, we collaborated together to help spread awareness to our peers and led open discussions on safe sex practices. The support of our peers and their genuine interest in becoming more knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS was most memorable. Being a confidant for him and understanding how this virus affected his activities ofRead MoreThe Separation Of Sex Education1012 Words   |  5 Pagesregulations as to what method they can teach as well as single sex teaching. Meaning the separation of sex education for boys and girls. â€Å"22 states and the District of Columbia require public schools teach sex education (20 of which mandate sex education and HIV education). 33 states and the District of Columbia require students receive instruction about HIV/AIDS. 19 states require that if provided, sex education must be medically, factually or technically accurate. State definitions of â€Å"medically accurateRead MoreEssay on Reproductive Health in Low Income Women1436 Words   |  6 Pages The District of Columbia (D.C) is made up of 52.8% females, 54% African Americans, and 40.6% Caucasians. 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Prevention or stopping the transmission of the diseases is hindered by factors such as: denial or non-acceptance by infected persons, unsafe sex, and non-disclosure by infected persons to their at risk sexual partner(s)Read More Sample Resume : Comprehensive Sex Education887 Words   |  4 Pageseducation have changed as well. State legislature about sex education is very diverse across the country. As of July 2014, twenty-two states and the District of Colombia (D.C.) now require sex education and twenty of those states require HIV/AIDS information to be taught as well. Cumulatively, 33 of the 50 states and DC require at least HIV/AIDS education, but not necessarily any actual sex education. Out of the 50 states, only 19 require that the information provided, if provided at all, be medically