At the Mountain (ATM)

HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system which is our body’s defence against illness. If it is left untreated, it may take up to 10-15 years for the immune system to be so severely damaged which cannot defend itself at all. Within a few weeks of infection the symptoms’ such as fever sore throat and fatigue can occur. To get infected bodily fluids (blood, semen, vaginal fluids) need to get into your blood through a mucous membrane or be infected directly to your bloodstream There are a lot of myths and misconception about how you can get HIV i.e. can be passed on from person infected through unprotected sex, mother to child during pregnancy and breast feeding. Also during organ transplantation one can get infected when the donor’s blood is not screened well to check if the person is infected with any disease like AIDS. There are some ways through which aids can be transmitted or spread Cultural practices like §   Polygamy-marrying of many wives can cause the sprea...

 by ASHA SAID Ever Since the discovery of this diseases, in the early 1980s, victims have been succumbed to stigmatization for the fear of one thing or the other. They were regarded as ‘socially unacceptable’ or unfit to mingle with the rest due to spread of infections or other reasons. Sadly, his case has not stopped and as the years has progressed. The effect is seen worldwide and some cases are extreme. Some are killed, tortured and Ill-treated for the health status. Some countries even deny them passes for the situation. Many people, unlike the ones who have knowledge of the disease tend to fear the victims and even exclude them in the social activities. This leads to even the patients hiding their status for the fear of being stigmatized. This leads to isolation and the feeling of lacking support to get through. Even some parents neglect their own children who are infected. Some people chose to believe in myths when it comes to these cases. Some African cultures even ...

NAME: UMBUKAH TITUS MBOYA REG: CJMS-01-0312/2018 WHY THE PrEP AND PEP DRUGS ONLY MEAN MORE UNPROTECTED SEX – By Titus Mboya There was jubilation all over upon the release of these drugs to the market, for our case, the local dailies made it clear that the steps that seemed futile towards curbing the spread of this menace were now progressive. The celebration were all over and if you cannot attest, well, the internet is my witness here, But again, why would you celebrate when it was only a game changer in HIV prevention? That makes it comprehensible that the infected had no reason to smile which only mean hurrays were from the HIV-free individuals. “These drugs are a ‘cure’ to HIV/AIDS,” that is how some headlines and titles read. Who would not want a cure to this peril? Even if it was a prank, the inclusion of HIV/AIDS and cure in a statement with no negatives sounds positive to one especially to the infected. The PrEP and PEP were the drugs that had such great reception....

There is a wide range of debate revolving around the myths and misconceptions of HIV/AIDS. Over the years, the fatal disease has claimed the lives of  Kenyans more than anticipated. Health experts argue about the social beliefs of the disease describing it as dynamic.  Even though, the existence of HIV/AIDS is well known in many African communities, some still believe that the disease is curable. Health reports indicate that some west African communities hold the view that a male suffering from HIV/AIDS will be cured by sleeping with a virgin female. While other pastoral communities suggest the camel urine is the undisputed medicine for the disease. Some other groups believe that the fatal disease does not kill at all while the religious refer to it as a punishment from God for those who engage in unlawful sex.  Whether there is some sense into these claims or not, medical practitioners remain firm in disregarding them as myths and misconceptions.  The ...

RISK FACTORS AND SOCIETAL RESPONSE TO HIV/ AIDS IN KENYA. The spread of HIV/AIDS depends on every weakness that the society exposes. In most cases its high spread is rampant where there is high levels of poverty, illiteracy, lack of public awareness about one’s health. In cases where there is widespread use of alcohol and drugs and corruption becomes part of daily life. Meaning it hinders the possibility of adequate response by the government then these reasons make it that HIV/AIDS is not simply a medical disease but also a social one. Hence they fuel the spread of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS which are now devastating to the individual and the society. When we come to leisure activities, we have evening entertainment, relaxation, and community activities. What is different today is the amount, variety, and toxicity of drugs available. The abuse of hard core drugs like bhang, heroine cocaine and narcotics is growing, and the number of people using them throughou...