NURS FPX 8014 Assessment 2 Global Issue Problem
NURS FPX 8014 Assessment 2 Global Issue Problem
Name
Capella university
NURS FPX 8014 Global Population Health
Prof. Name
Date
Global Issue Problem Description
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), due to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has been a significant medical issue globally for over 40 years, harming 40 million people. The World Health Organization (WHO), revealed that, there are around 39.9 million individuals suffering from HIV in 2023, with Africa accounting for 65% of the total. In 2023, roughly 630,000 people perished from HIV-related reasons, while an additional 1.3 million individuals developed HIV (WHO, 2024). This assessment highlights the prevalence, impacted population, and utilized approaches to lessen the worldwide burden, supported by project proposal for Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).
Description of the Problem
Global Public Health Issue and Epidemiological Data
According to data from credible sources, HIV/AIDS is an epidemic both globally and in SSA. According to UNAIDS statistics, 7.8 million individuals in South Africa were HIV-positive in 2020. With a national HIV infection rate of 18.8% among individuals with age between 15 and 49, South Africa has the highest frequency of HIV-positive people, almost 5.5 million. The significant prevalence highlights HIV/AIDS’s enduring burden, despite continuous worldwide initiatives to combat the illness. The disease also has a significant economic impact; the overall budget for South Africa’s HIV response is approximately R30 billion annually. The median annual HIV-related healthcare costs for an HIV patient is $420,285 (Bingham et al., 2021).
The scope of HIV/AIDS is widespread in SSA, impacting many aspects of medical care and socioeconomic growth. HIV/AIDS causes substantial morbidity and mortality. According to Statista data, the number of AIDS fatalities in South Africa is 85, 796 in 2022 ((Statista, 2022). HIV/AIDS affects a disproportionate number of persons in Mozambique about 2.2 million, India, 2.1 million, Uganda, 1.4 million, and Tanzania, 1.4 million people (Schousboe & Wejse, 2021).
NURS FPX 8014 Assessment 2 Global Issue Problem
Vulnerable groups in SSA regions include adults, particularly females aged 15-24 and males aged 20-29, as well as those living in rural and disadvantaged areas (Risher et al., 2021). These groups are more vulnerable due to restricted access to medical services, a lack of preventative awareness, and stigma, which can impede effective prevention and therapy efforts. Significant disparities in HIV/AIDS prevalence and outcomes occur between countries and regions. SSA, although bearing the immense HIV/AIDS burden, frequently has the fewest resources to combat the illness successfully.
These countries confront significant problems in HIV/AIDS control and eradication due to reasons like political instability, inadequate medical facilities, poorly structured programs, absence of appropriate medical governance standards, and low financial assets for vaccination and medication (Malakoane et al., 2020). Research focuses on financial and political investments by the region’s administration and legislators to mitigate the HIV/AIDS burden and save lives. Ongoing efforts are required to combat the effect of HIV/AIDs on the population’s well-being.
Analysis of the Global Health Issue
HIV/AIDS, as a global medical issue, has diverse repercussions on individuals, populations, and communities worldwide, especially in SSA regions.
Impact on Individuals
HIV/AIDS has a significant impact on individuals, especially in high-burden regions like SSA. People who have HIV/AIDS are more susceptible to other diseases and infections, which increases mortality. People with HIV/AIDS have several kinds of mental and physical signs. These signs include exhaustion, weight loss, a high temperature, sleeping sweats, and chronic diarrhea and opportunistic infections (Berhan et al., 2022). HIV/AIDS can also have significant effects on mental health because people frequently face prejudice and stigma as a result of their sickness.
People with HIV/AIDS are more likely to have anxiety, mood swings, and cognitive issues, which reduces their productivity. Depressive disorders are the most common psychological issues among HIV patients (Winston & Spudich, 2020). Poor physical outcomes, the economic strain of care, and missed productivity due to disease all have a substantial impact on an individual’s standard of living.
Impact on Communities
The elevated incidence of HIV puts pressure on local medical facilities, resulting in substandard medical services within communities. Furthermore, the HIV/AIDS has a significant economic effect, with communities incurring immediate healthcare expenses as well as additional expenses due to impoverishment (Bingham et al., 2021). For instance, communities like Black South africans are adversly impacted by HIV about 6.2 million people, out of 6.4 million. Morover, communities like colored od mixed communities of African and Indian also affected by HIV and related stigma (Bell et al., 2022). People with HIV/AIDS are unable to work or contribute to their communities, resulting in diminished production and labor capacity (Kimeng et al., 2024).
School absence among children is widespread due to HIV/AIDS parents, which has an impact on academic achievement and future financial stability. Children with ill parents can experience disruption in their schooling. Educational institutions in affected areas are also dealing with increasing absenteeism among pupils and educators (Zinyemba et al., 2020). According to Zinyemba et al. (2020), children with mothers who have HIV have a 30% lower level of education than others. Moreover, communities face social disturbance because recurrent diseases and deaths erode social links and impair communal cohesion.
Impact on Populations
The populations in HIV/AIDS-endemic areas have extensive and persistent health difficulties, impeding overall economic and social growth. According to Bulled and Singer (2020), nations with high HIV/AIDS prevalence can suffer a drop in economic growth, like South Africa where GDP drop by 5 to 10% in 2020, negatively impacting population’s quality of life. This economic stress reinforces poverty cycles by making it difficult for afflicted populations to overcome the financial challenges caused by high number of HIV/AIDS cases.
It restricts economic growth by lowering employee productivity and raising healthcare expenses. About 40 million people lived with HIV/AIDS, which harmed the general population well-being (WHO, 2024). Furthermore, high rates of mortality and morbidity stress national assets and foreign support, necessitating substantial spending in public health services and preventive efforts for managing the disease.
Social and Political Ramifications
When HIV/AIDS is neglected, it could lead to serious political and social ramifications, especially in highly prevalent regions like SSA. Socially, ongoing elevated illness and mortality numbers will put a strain on individuals, populations, and communities, exacerbating economic issues and lowering the standard of life (Bingham et al., 2021). Educational disruptions owing to HIV will impede human resources and limit future financial growth. Politically, governments can experience greater strain to solve the health issue of HIV/AIDS, which can result in violence if effective solutions are not delivered. They can be declined of possibilities that lead to becoming financially successful adults (Zinyemba et al., 2020).
The economic effects of HIV/AIDS can draw resources away from other crucial sectors, worsening already fragile economies. Impoverishment, poor education, and sex disparities are key contributors to HIV/AIDS, especially in SSA. The greater frequency of HIV/AIDS in this region is also due to limited availability of healthcare facilities, including screening and therapy (Frimpong et al., 2021). Furthermore, persistent health problems can erode public confidence in government agencies and world organizations, ultimately resulting in unstable politics and weak leadership. Addressing HIV/AIDS is therefore critical for medical outcomes and sustaining social unity and the stability of politics.
Social Determinants That Impact the Problem
The majority of HIV/AIDS patients (65%) live in SSA (WHO, 2024). Rural communities are more susceptible because of impoverished circumstances, a lack of preventative awareness, and stigma. Numerous Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), including poverty, an absence of education, and inadequate access to medical care, enhance the risk of HIV/AIDS, putting these populations in an endless condition of sickness and hardship. For instance, poverty reduces the availability of preventive measures such as condoms, HIV testing, and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).
According to a study by Nagai et al. (2024), SSA has restricted the availability of PrEP services, and its adoption is lower than 28% due to impoverished resources. Furthermore, HIV/AIDS medication consumes a considerable portion of the family’s income, making it difficult for them to sustain medical care. Moreover, educational attainment impacts understanding about HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention.
SSA has the lowest literacy rate, about 67.72%, limiting the ability to transmit and interpret medical information effectively. Lastly, the inability to access efficient medical services hampers early diagnosis and therapy of HIV/AIDS. In several rural regions of Africa, an absence of healthcare staff, limited medical services, and extensive distances traveled have contributed to the severity of diseases, increasing the chance of illness and death (Tran et al., 2023).
Cultural Impact on the Global Health Issue
Cultural customs and beliefs in SSA have significant effects on HIV/AIDS prevention and care. Numerous populations have stigmas and various cultural ideas about preventing HIV/AIDS. For example, in some cultures, speaking about sexual wellness or wearing condoms can be considered taboo or undesirable. Sex-related conversations among communities, including family members, are considered ashamed or humiliating (Setia et al., 2022). Furthermore, some people have wrong assumptions about the treatment and causation of HIV/AIDS.
Language, cultural, and stigma-related barriers prevent people from participating in care practices. Stigma and prejudice are considered to be caused by factors like lack of awareness about HIV, fear of receiving HIV, and societal and moral beliefs regarding HIV/AIDS. (Asrina et al., 2023). Educational intervention and community participation are critical in eliminating these challenges and supporting successful HIV/AIDS prevention and care.
Geographical Impact on the Global Health Issue
Several geographic variables significantly impact the prevalence and transmission of HIV in SSA. The region’s ecological features vary from the northern Saharan desert to the tropical rainforests in the central region. These factors differ regarding the weather, vegetation, and availability of water, which influence HIV transmission and growth. For example, places with heavy rainfall and humidity provide an ideal habitat for mosquito reproduction, which can spread HIV via transfusions of blood (Obeagu et al., 2024). Furthermore, the movement of inhabitants across borders and within regions can contribute to the global spread of HIV/AIDS.
Geographical aspects influence HIV prevalence differently throughout the SSA region, based on the specific environmental condition. Furthermore, remote and rural areas have a higher HIV/AIDS prevalence due to insufficient prevention efforts and limited accessibility to healthcare facilities (Risher et al., 2021). Overcoming geographical difficulties involves extensive prevention efforts, better infrastructure, and tailored actions in vulnerable regions.
Political Systems Impact on the Global Health Issue
Instability in politics and inadequate medical services in many SSA countries impede effective HIV/AIDS treatments and prevention. Injustice, limited finance, and weak governance frequently result in inadequate healthcare facilities and a scarcity of critical medical equipment. Political agendas not prioritizing public health, which leads to insufficient funding for HIV/AIDS preventive efforts (Tran et al., 2023). International assistance and collaboration are essential for strengthening regional initiatives. Furthermore, it is critical to establish political support, promote transparency, and expand medical services for long-term HIV/AIDS eradication and boost medical results in the SSA region. Transforming HIV/AIDS prevention activities, socioeconomic growth, spatial management, and political equilibrium can have a substantial impact on HIV progression.
Socioeconomic advancements, such as reducing poverty and improving education, have the potential to strengthen community ability and reduce HIV/AIDS frequency. Political equilibrium and fiscal stability, along with improved medical services, are critical to continuing HIV prevention initiatives and ensuring efficient utilization of resources. Emerging technologies, like digital tools and mobile-based awareness programs, show potential for lowering the HIV epidemic (Garg et al., 2020). However, persisting obstacles require dynamic approaches and collaboration to accomplish the permanent elimination of HIV/AIDS.
Strategies and Gaps
In the past, the HIV has had a significant effect on SSA, with one out of every five adults infected by HIV/AIDS. To combat HIV/AIDS, a variety of strategies have been used, including preventative and therapeutic initiatives as well as measures to eliminate stigma and prejudice against HIV-positive people. One of the initial preventative activities in the SSA region was mass multimedia campaigns to improve disease knowledge and encourage secure sexual behavior, as well as the supply of condoms and sterilization of needles to lower transmission risk. These initiatives have resulted in a 71% increase in HIV knowledge and will contribute to preventing HIV/AIDS (Birdthistle et al., 2022). However, the program encountered difficulties due to linguistic and cultural differences.
A crucial preventive strategy has been to provide Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) to HIV patients to neutralize the virus and avoid the progression of AIDS. Initiatives have also been conducted to minimize prejudice and bias against HIV/AIDS patients, which could hinder people from seeking diagnosis and therapy. Compliance to ART is crucial for helping to prevent HIV reproduction, maintain immunological competence, and improve the standard of life for HIV/AIDS positive individuals (Bomfim et al., 2022).
NURS FPX 8014 Assessment 2 Global Issue Problem
The challenges related to this strategy include the worry of exposing one’s HIV status can render it difficult to commit to treatment. Moreover, these initiatives have been hampered by difficulties such as limited resource availability in reaching isolated areas. Furthermore, the economic cost of maintaining medical services and guaranteeing compliance with prevention strategies has proven to be a substantial challenge (Tran et al., 2023).
These initiatives have achieved considerable success in lowering HIV transmission and improving health conditions for persons living with the HIV. Significant hurdles remain, for example, numerous individuals living with HIV in SSA currently have limited access to ART because to a lack of finances, poor medical infrastructure, and insufficient staff training and skills (Schatz et al., 2021). Furthermore, those living with HIV continue to face prejudice and stigma, which can prevent individuals from obtaining diagnosis and therapy.
Current Prospects and Future Success
Present prospects for HIV/AIDS elimination remain optimistic, with continued research and the development of new tools and tactics. There is an ongoing need for investment in preventative and treatment measures, and efforts to mitigate prejudice and stigma. Measures are needed to promote the availability of ART, strengthen medical facilities, and offer better support and training to medical staff (Schatz et al., 2021). Continuous research into improved medications and vaccine formulation provides the potential for improved outcomes in the future.
Furthermore, genetic approaches, such as anti-HIV-1 gene therapy, are being investigated to provide a therapeutic care for HIV-1 infection. This novel strategy offers long-term remedies for HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention (Sorokina et al., 2023). However, technological innovation presents moral and regulatory problems that must be managed appropriately. Political dedication and global cooperation remain critical to future achievement. Sustainable HIV/AIDS control requires strengthening medical facilities, increasing surveillance, and guaranteeing equal access to preventive measures.
Conclusion
HIV/AIDS is a global medical concern, including SSA. It has an adverse impact on individual well-being, population, and community stability. Numerous SDOH variables, such as poverty and other factors of culture, economic geographic, and political instability, increase the issue of HIV/AIDS in the SSA. HIV/AIDS prevention requires a variety of interventions, including ART. It is vital to address challenges through global cooperation, governmental assistance, and novel approaches to achieve sustained HIV elimination and improve medical conditions in impacted communities.
References
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Bell, G. J., Jabulani Ncayiyana, Ari Sholomon, Goel, V., Khangelani Zuma, & Emch, M. (2022). Race, place, and HIV: The legacies of apartheid and racist policy in South Africa. Social Science & Medicine, 296, 114755–114755. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.114755
Berhan, A., Bayleyegn, B., & Getaneh, Z. (2022). HIV/AIDS associated lymphoma. Blood and Lymphatic Cancer: Targets and Therapy, 31-45. https://doi.org/10.2147/BLCTT.S361320
Bingham, A., Shrestha, R. K., Khurana, N., Jacobson, E. U., & Farnham, P. G. (2021). Estimated lifetime HIV–related medical costs in the United States. Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 48(4), 299–304. https://doi.org/10.1097/olq.0000000000001366
NURS FPX 8014 Assessment 2 Global Issue Problem
Birdthistle, I., Mulwa, S., Sarrassat, S., Baker, V., Khanyile, D., O’Donnell, D., & Cousens, S. (2022). Effects of a multimedia campaign on HIV self-testing and PrEP outcomes among young people in South Africa: A mixed-methods impact evaluation of ‘MTV Shuga Down South’. British Medical Journal Global Health, 7(4), e007641. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2021-007641
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NURS FPX 8014 Assessment 2 Global Issue Problem
Kimeng, L. C. M. (2024). Socio-economic effects of HIV and AIDS in the development organizations of Donga-Mantung division. International Journal of Integrative and Modern Medicine, 2(7), 116-150. http://medicaljournals.eu/index.php/IJIMM/article/view/798
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NURS FPX 8014 Assessment 2 Global Issue Problem
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NURS FPX 8014 Assessment 2 Global Issue Problem
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Appendix A: Project Proposal
Project Title
“Management and Prevention of HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa”
Target Population
The target population for this educational resource is individuals aged 18-45 years living in SSA, with an emphasis on people at a significant risk of AIDS or HIV infection and HIV positive people.
Project Setting
The project will be carried out in rural areas of South Africa, one of the countries worst affected by HIV/AIDS. The setting consists of community health centers and regional medical clinics.
Project Objectives
- To raise the public awareness and understanding of HIV prevention and care in SSA region particularly in South Africa.
- To improve the availability of HIV testing, therapy, and medical services.
- To decrease HIV-related stigma and prejudice.
Project Strategies
Education and Awareness
An extensive educational resources and materials will be created in partnership with regional healthcare practitioners, critical stakeholders, community leadership, and HIV patients. The information will be culturally relevant, readily accessible, easy to understand and available in several languages (Birdthistle et al., 2022).
Community Outreach Program
A team of experienced medical professionals, community and health educators will perform outreach and awareness efforts in urban as well as rural regions to promote understanding and inform people about HIV avoidance, screening, therapy, and care. For instance, using sterilized syringes, use of condom,s and ART. These activities involve communities discussions and wellness events.
HIV Screening and Care Services
HIV testing and therapy will be accessible in portable clinics and community hospitals. Certified medical professionals will manage the clinics and offer private HIV examinations, counseling, and therapeutic services to improve outcomes (Frimpong et al., 2021).
Stigma and Discrimination Mitigation
A campaign to raise awareness will be initiated to combat HIV prejudice and stigma. The campaign will use social media, newspapers, and local events to promote candid debates about HIV prevention and risk factors (Birdthistle et al., 2022).
Evaluation
- Track the project performance through surveys, questionnaires and feedback.
- Assess ART compliance and AIDS rates to assess the impact
Sustainability
- Obtain funds and assistance from regional governments, foreign donors, and nonprofit organizations.
- Educate local medical workers and community volunteers to carry out program operations.
Assumptions
- The regional medical system offers HIV testing, therapy, and care.
- The community supports HIV prevention and treatment programs.
- The initiative will be supported with adequate finance.
Appendix B: Meeting Summary
Delivering my proposal on HIV/AIDS prevention in SSA to a local health specialist was a valuable practicum opportunity. It enabled me to apply scientific information to real-world global health concerns while also efficiently conveying an extensive HIV prevention approach. I felt both nervous and excited when I delivered the proposal, knowing how important it was to solve such a vital health issue.
In the meeting, I was glad to observe that the suggestion was met with enthusiasm and careful study. The health department officer acknowledged the extensive strategy and underlined the significance of community involvement and long-term viability in HIV control initiatives. Furthermore, obtaining feedback and critical criticism in the meeting enabled me to revise components of the plan, such as improving program assessment metrics and ensuring consistency with local healthcare goals.
The discussion highlighted multiple possibilities for learning and development. I improved my ability to convey intricate global health programs effectively. I learned the importance of adapting communicating to be effective with different stakeholders while highlighting practicality and viability. In the future, I will emphasize the proposal’s cultural significance and the importance of ongoing stakeholder participation in strengthening program acceptance and efficacy. This practicum strengthened my comprehension of HIV/AIDS prevention and control measures and my ability to manage public medical efforts in varied populations.