| Popis: |
Individuals have to assume some responsibility for their own health. Governments do, however, have a duty to ensure that their citizens are armed with the necessary information and education. At present there appears to be a serious degree of ignorance about sexually transmitted disease in general and AIDS in particular. The importance of disseminating information on this topic is discussed.Sexually transmitted diseases are the most common and growing communicable diseases in the world. Of particular concern, however, is AIDS. It is both highly fatal and her to stay over at least the medium term. A great deal of public ignorance exists about STDs, AIDS, and AIDS transmission and prevention especially in less industrialized sections of South Africa. To bring home this notion, this paper briefly discusses research into the knowledge of and prevention practice against AIDS in a group for 213 students at the University of Venda. Significant gaps in knowledge, misinformation, and misconceptions were revealed. Most even had negative views on the existence of AIDS, but a fair number understood the importance of minimizing the number of sex partners as a precautionary measure against infection. The paper holds that individuals are responsible for their health, but that governments have the duty of ensuring that citizens are equipped with appropriate and adequate information and education. With many national economies expected to feel the harsh effects of the AIDS pandemic in the years ahead, rapidly disseminating pertinent information to needy populations is of paramount importance. Everyone must be informed, including with who an infected individual may have had contact, so that all may responsibly accept the consequences of their actions. Discussed in separate sections are health as a privilege vs. right, the rights of health professionals, health information to persons at risk, and the future. |
