Human Immunodeficiency virus
For my topic I chose to research HIV/AIDS. I chose this illness disease because it seems highly relevant in today's modern society. Our society only recently has begun to understand the full implications of the disease. It is also noteworthy as a disease that can not be cured only treated. Another reason I chose this disease was because it is surrounded by culturally interesting facts and concepts due to one if it's main modes of infection sexual transmission. For many years this disease was considered to be a disease of the male homosexual community leading to an interesting and at times tragic response to the initial disease outbreak. From an anthropological perspective I find the entire response to the HIV epidemic fascinating. The disease history is filled with political, economic, and religious interplay. The diseases history also has notable historical and economic impact as it is highly prevalent in the poor regions of the world. It is important to study illness from an anthropological as opposed to a medical perspective because it allows us to consider angles and concepts that are outside the realm of western biomedicine. Helman points several key factors including the mediation of cultural factors between ordinary people and the medical community another important reason is to foresee and help resolve issues involving new treatment options and drug care policies. Without taking into account non-medical factors the best possible treatment options for individuals cannot be considered. The biomedical approach to disease study can also be motivated highly by individuals seen seeking profit and personal gain as demonstrated in course materials.
The Mayo clinic defines HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) as, "HIV is a sexually transmitted infection. It can
also be spread by contact with infected blood, or from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth or breast-feeding. It can take years before HIV weakens your immune system to the point that you have AIDS." AIDS (Auto Immune Deficiency Syndrome)is defined as, "AIDS is a chronic, potentially life-threatening condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). By damaging your immune system, HIV interferes
with your body's ability to fight the organisms that cause disease." These definitions illustrate nicely the connection between HIV and AIDS which is important in understanding how the disease works.
For my Weebly site I attempted to go through each anthropological approach in respect to the HIV/AIDS virus. I
took particular interest in the Epidemic in Africa, a country that is hardest hit and may have been the country of origin for HIV. My site will explain the history, treatment, and perceptions of HIV/AIDS in an anthropological context.
The Mayo clinic defines HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) as, "HIV is a sexually transmitted infection. It can
also be spread by contact with infected blood, or from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth or breast-feeding. It can take years before HIV weakens your immune system to the point that you have AIDS." AIDS (Auto Immune Deficiency Syndrome)is defined as, "AIDS is a chronic, potentially life-threatening condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). By damaging your immune system, HIV interferes
with your body's ability to fight the organisms that cause disease." These definitions illustrate nicely the connection between HIV and AIDS which is important in understanding how the disease works.
For my Weebly site I attempted to go through each anthropological approach in respect to the HIV/AIDS virus. I
took particular interest in the Epidemic in Africa, a country that is hardest hit and may have been the country of origin for HIV. My site will explain the history, treatment, and perceptions of HIV/AIDS in an anthropological context.
Bibliography
"Definition of HIV and AIDS," Mayo Clinic Staff, Mayo Clinic Website, August 11, 2012, http://www.may oclinic.com/health/hiv-aids/DS00005
"Why Anthropology Matters," Cecil Helman, Anthropology Today, Vol 22 No 1, Feb 26, 2006, Accessed from http://anthropology.msu.edu/anp204-us13/files/2012/06/Helman-Why-Medical-Anthropology-Matters.pdf