4.2 Diseases: hiv/aids

This finding “has opened interesting possibilities for the development of a vaccine”, researchers at the Pasteur Institute, the national centre for scientific research in France, said in a statement.

Antibodies are the advance guard in the human body’s defence system. They are designed to “mark” a virus or bacterium so that it can be destroyed by immunity cells. Many vaccines, such as those against ’flu, polio and measles, are based on antibodies and use a part of the virus to teach the immune system to identify the invading virus in future. - (Sapa-AFP)

From: Die Burger, 01 December 2004

• Aids and the South African economy:

South Africa is one of the countries with the highest HIV infection rate (the rate at which the virus spreads) in the world. Statistics show that approximately 10 million South Africans could die of Aids-related diseases within the following 10 years. Most of these victims will be younger than 50 years of age.

These figures indicate that the economy of our country will suffer as a result of the situation surrounding this problem.

Activity 3:

To discuss a statement critically and draw conclusions

[LO 1.7]

Debate the statement given at the bottom of page 12 and refer specifically to the following aspects. Then write a short paragraph about the effect that AIDS has on the economy of a country.

• health care (depletion of resources)
• substitution of personnel/training

HELP IN THE STRUGGLE AGAINST HIV

Many organisations worldwide focus on creating awareness of how the virus functions and spreads, as well as on reaching out to victims.

Read the newspaper report printed below on the role of the Mandela Foundation in combating Aids. Make a list of other interest groups / organisations you know of that play a vital role in combating this disease.

help in battle against virus, asks sexwale

Waldimar Pelser

If more than 5 million of our country’s people die of Aids-related causes, we must give new life to the message that we have to combat the HI virus.

This was the recent message from the businessman, Mr Tokyo Sexwale.

In his position as trustee of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Sexwale expressed his wholehearted support for the foundation’s attempt to persuade thousands of South African volunteers to take up arms in the fight against HIV/Aids.

In this latest campaign under the auspices of past president Nelson Mandela’s 46664 prison number, a call centre has been established where “ordinary men and women” can volunteer their time and skills in the fight against Aids. The telephone number is 08000 46664 and the calls are free. Sexwale emphasised that the problem with HIV/Aids is related to behaviour.

“The government has a huge role to play, but it is not alone in the struggle. We are asking for more hands, in the name of Nelson Mandela,” he said. According to the foundation’s Mr John Samuel, the call centre will refer volunteers to organisations who need more assistance.

The foundation will distribute pamphlets that give details of its projects in taxis, banks and supermarkets. Business giants such as Absa, Old Mutual, Anglo American, BMW and Spar have become involved.

The actor Brad Pitt will appear in a television advertisement that will be screened round about World Aids Day (1 December) to promote the 46664 project.

(Translated from Die Burger, 1 Dec. 2004.)

Assessment

LO 1

GEOGRAPHICAL ENQUIRY

The learner will be able to use enquiry skills to investigate geographical and environmental concepts and processes.

We know this when the learner:

1.1 with guidance, selects and uses sources of useful geographical information [finds sources];

1.2 distinguishes between facts and opinions [works with sources];

1.3 categorises information [works with sources];

1.4 uses an index to find places on global atlas maps [works with sources];

1.6 identifies and explores possible solutions to problems [answers the question];

1.7 demonstrates knowledge and under-standing of the issue through projects, discussion, debate and charts [communicates the answer].

Memorandum

ACTIVITY 1

HIV: virus

Illness caused by HIV virus

ACTIVITY 3

Many people ill – in need of health care

Government must supply resources

Many trained employees die

Companies must replace them – train new staff members

Fewer employees remain – lower production

Fewer resources (money) for other needs such as education, houses, etc.