Student Epidemiologist Brooke Nichols conducted research on the impact that alcohol consumption can have on the level of people with HIV/AIDS whilst visiting Lüderitz last winter. Using data from the Ministry of Health to indicate the spread of HIV/AIDS victims, and her own research on the location and number of bars, bottle stores and shebeens in Lüderitz, Nichols was able to conclude that areas containing one or more shebeen tended to have a significantly higher prevalence of the disease.

Nichols found that in places with less than 1 shabeen per 100 people the relative risk of developing HIV is 1.52, meaning that those living in a neighbourhood with a medium amount of shabeens makes one 52% more likely to contract HIV than those living in a neighbourhood with no shabeens. Furthermore areas containing more than 1 shabeen per 100 people had a relative risk of 1.87; in other words those people living in areas with a high number of shabeens were 87% more likely to have HIV than people living in neighbourhoods with no shabeens.

In addition Nichols also discovered that, whilst the HIV risk for men was high, it was much higher for women which she suggests is partially due to the problem of prostitution and ‘sugar daddying’ and partially due to the fact that the majority of migrants to Lüderitz are men with high HIV rates who constantly pass through the town, leaving the, largely static, female population under constant exposure to a high risk male population.

Interestingly the research did not find a correlation between bars and bottle stores to HIV prevalence suggesting that it is the informal layout and casual opening hours of shebeens that provoke such high levels of alcohol abuse and the unprotected sexual behaviour that it can lead to.

Whilst it is obviously difficult to control and prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS, this research indicates that there are some measures that could be taken to reduce the number of people being infected by the disease, the most obvious of these being simply to reduce the number of shebeens in Lüderitz. Failing this however, Nichols also suggests providing free condoms and HIV pamphlets in shebeens and heavier policing of shebeen opening hours.

However, as with many developmental problems, the solution must come from a change in social attitudes at a grass roots level and responsible drinking and protected sex must be accepted as the norm before any major change can take place.

Nichols will be presenting her findings at a HIV conference in Cape Town this winter and her abstract is being published in the Journal for the International AIDS Society, and Reviews in Antiviral Therapy.

Sexual and reproductive rights apply to all individuals regardless of HIV status. Yet more often than not the rights of HIV positive women are not recognized or given priority.

Why in the world would I say a thing like this? Many men and women may ask. Cultural practices often tightly restrict and sometimes control the decisions that women make regarding choices when it comes to sex .In many traditions women still do not have a lot to say about whether they want intercourse or not at all. With the high number infected people it shows that a women can not tell her husband to use a condom. If she does that a man may ask the woman: are you sleeping around? Is that why you what me to use a condom? At the same time you see so many women that are positive but still get pregnant. You ask yourself then is it ignorance or do most women have no choice. I am not saying that HIV positive women and men should not have children but if you are positive speak to your doctor first. Let me stress this – I am not trying to make men look like the bad guys, but I think it is about time we stop use our culture to make it right for men to have multiple sex partners. If you are planning to have a child, pretty please, speak to your doctor and don’t say “the condom broke” – that is so out of date!!

]]> http://www.buchternews.com/2009/05/break-the-silence-2/feed/ 0 http://www.buchternews.com/2009/03/break-the-silence-3/ http://www.buchternews.com/2009/03/break-the-silence-3/#comments Thu, 12 Mar 2009 12:20:52 +0000 admin http://www.buchternews.com/?p=198

TO QUESTION,TO EXPRESS,TO ACCEPT

By Gregory De Vries

What is a treatment supporter? A treatment supporter is a committed and trustworthy adult who helps someone living with HIV/AIDS to make their treatment a success.

Who can be treatment supporter? A treatment supporter can be a family member, partner or friend who:

· is older than 18 years

· is mentally and physically fit:

· can read and write:

· has a permanent home address;

· can come to the health facility when needed;

· will be there for the patient now and in the future;

· has the patient’s trust.

How is the treatment supporter prepared? The treatment supporter should:

· encourage abstinence or condom use:

· help the patient to keep all doctor’s appointments;

· remind the patient to take the medication as required:

· tell the health worker about any problems that affect the treatment:

· not abuse alcohol or drugs:

· contact home- based care givers when necessary:

· bring the patient to the clinic when he or she is sick:

· make sure the patient drinks enough clean water and eats healthy foods (such as fruit and vegetables)

· not support more patients than he or she can really care for:

• understand the side effects of the treatment and helps the patient deal withy them when they occur.

Why must there be a treatment supporter?

· HIV/AIDS medicine must be taken everyday for the rest of the patient’s life – this is easier to do with support.

· Patients need emotional support- this is often just someone to talk to.

· The patient needs to feel accountable to someone and feel that someone cares.

]]> http://www.buchternews.com/2009/03/break-the-silence-3/feed/ 0 http://www.buchternews.com/2009/02/music-with-a-message/ http://www.buchternews.com/2009/02/music-with-a-message/#comments Thu, 12 Feb 2009 16:07:37 +0000 admin http://www.buchternews.com/?p=268 Popular Namibian Band VM6 are touring the country the spread the AIDS awareness message through talks and music. Our roving reporter went along to check out their Lüderitz gig.

Let me first say that the view from the German hall in the YACC is undoubtedly one of my favourites in Lüderitz and as the sun set on a balmy Monday evening it sent warm rays of light into the room and onto a crowd of Buchters, eagerly awaiting music and solidarity from Vocal Motion Six or VM6; a five part male voices group. Formed just over 11 years ago VM6 have dedicated their musical career to spreading a positive message about HIV/AIDS awareness and have been touring communities, churches and schools across Namibia since 2007 as part of the ‘Living Positive Tour’.

The show itself began in the same way that many events do; with the National Anthem. This time however instead of a slightly abashed crowd of people crooning along to a crackly recording, the anthem is truly done justice with five strong male voices singing in close harmony. The evening then quickly progresses with a series of ballads, which show off the soaring range of the groups vocal talent, interspersed with a number of inspirational messages regarding HIV/AIDS; don’t be afraid to get checked, accept your status, look after yourself, don’t stigmatise and, the AIDS awareness mantra, practice abstinence and use protection. However, the most moving moment of the evening came from a young woman, a rape victim with AIDS, who was brave enough to stand on stages across Namibia and say ‘Here I am, I have AIDS but I am still a normal person’. Her message was both inspiring and bittersweet and, I noticed, brought a tear to many an eye in the room.

It is my opinion that music is one of the most powerful tools available to mankind so the idea of using it to teach people about an issue like HIV/ AIDS, which affects nearly every single person living in the country, is a hugely important one.

The VM6 Tour was sponsored by American Organisation PEPFAR, they released their first album about five years ago and are currently working on a new one.

The key question this month is how do you deal with getting raped? BTS have found that a lot of people will go to the police station first. Whilst this is a good idea there are other options as well: have you every heard of PEP? Post- Exposure Prophylaxis refers to methods of preventing HIV infection after being exposed to transmission by blood or fluid from an HIV infected person. PEP itself is an ARV and should be taken within 72 hours from the time of exposure to HIV infection. If you are raped the doctors will put you on a short course of antiretroviral medicines to try and prevent you from becoming infected with HIV.

How does PEP work? Just like any other antiretroviral treatment PEP will help prevent HIV from entering the cells of your body and increasing in number, though it is not 100% able to prevent HIV infection PEP can prevent 80-90% of HIV infection.

When should PEP be taken? PEP should be taken with in 72 hours of being exposed to HIV but it is best that it be taken within 24 hours if possible .You need to report it to your nearest health centre and be directed to where you can access PEP. The sooner Pep is taken the better the chances of preventing possible HIV infection.

Why is PEP important? When someone is forced into penetrative sex, either vaginal or anal often a condom is not worn by the perpetrator which places the abused person at risk of HIV infection. It is therefore important that rape victims have access to PEP to prevent possible HIV infection.

How long should PEP be taken? PEP should be taken for a whole month. It is very important that you take all your medicines at the correct times and in the exact way that your doctor advises you.

Where can PEP be found? PEP is usually found at a health centre ,such as hospital or clinic. You may contact your doctor for more information.

Who can take PEP ? Anyone can take PEP, providing that you can prove that you have been put at risk of H I V infection through an accident or rape.

What is considered before you start PEP? Before you are given PEP, you may be asked some questions by the doctor attending to you to make sure that you need to begin PEP. Some of the questions she/he may ask you include: The details of what happened to you, when it happened, the possibility that the person who raped you had HIV, what your HIV status is and so on. You may be asked if you want to know your HIV status before beginning the PEP.

BTS Know : It is a good idea to know your HIV status before beginning PEP, if you are HIV positive and begin PEP and then stop treatment or fail to take all the medicines at the right times, you may develop medicine resistance. If you develop medicine resistance, this means that some of the medicines you take to fight the HIV in your body may no longer work well. This will affect your future treatment options. Once the doctor confirms that you need to get PEP, she/he will tell you what medicines you will need to take, how long you will need to take the medicines a n d what possible side effects the medicines may have on you.

To Question, To Express, To Accept / Tisens!!geu #uisens,U!oesns

The first relationship you need to balance is the one you have with yourself. Know your HIV status and your own worth and learn to love yourself first.

Many of us have yet to discover how powerful our thoughts are. Being HIV positive should not hold back your realisation that you can still live a normal life. (Which by the way is what?) Realise that until you change your thought of yourself you are one step to becoming a better, more beautiful, intelligent you, who is more valuable to your family and your community, regardless of your HIV status. So for this month BTS what you to be grateful for your life, that is the first step. Are we going to be victims in life or are we going to go out and make the most of everyday. Contracting HIV/ AIDS may feel like the end but let me tell you all it is a new beginning for you and your family. This month I give you a reflection on the way I see the word Victim, because I believe that we all can overcome whatever we face in our life. Victim – a word we hear all too often. In recent years I’ve noticed a shift in healing circles and support groups to a new understanding of what it means to be a victim. Not to what makes you a victim – we still need to be aware of and act to change these situations. No, we are changing our personal response to our experience as victim.

We have all experienced this suffering in our lives – whether emotionally, physically, economically, politically, socially, stigma because of your HIV status and even spiritually. We feel violated, injured and wronged. We feel anger, fear, hurt, even despair. We may even feel shame. We often blame those who abuse us as well as ourselves, our families, our community and our society – those that let the abuse happen to us.

I have learned about the need for more than healing – we also need to forgive and remember. Healing itself is often an individual path – recognizing the stages of grief/ healing: denial, anger, bargaining, despair, acceptance – letting go of pain, anger and blame. Why letting go of blame? Because to blame is to give up some of your power in the situation. If “they” did it and “they” are totally responsible for the situation, then there is nothing we can do to change it, we can ONLY wait on a change of heart in THEM.

Responsible is an interesting word – it means able to respond. We can be responsible FOR a situation – we did it, it’s our fault, it is within our means to change it. Or we can be responsible TO a situation – we recognize it and can, of our own power and will, do something about it. In order to heal when we suffer as a victim, we can choose to become responsible TO the circumstances and change our behaviour to reduce the chances of it happening again. And healing is not only letting go of the pain, but also learning how to receive – the healing treatment, love, energy, and other help we deserve – and return to a healthy engagement with life. Forgiveness is not something to be taken lightly. It requires deep knowledge of yourself and the other person, or people, involved. ‘Physically taking the bullet out of the wound’ is only a first step. I believe it is also important to remove the emotional and spiritual “bullets” we have suffered from. Ironically, all of these “bullets” hurt everyone involved – the “victim”, the “abuser” and the community as a whole. BC’s Truth and Reconciliation process may be stalled by the resignation of one of the panel, but we as a province need a successful reconciliation process to heal from the mistakes of our past.

We need to remember activism against abuses is not merely about blame – although it may appear so at times. It can be about ensuring that the abuse doesn’t happen again. Heal yourself, be part of healing the community, and join with others to change the way we do things so no one else becomes a victim. We will need all the wisdom of healing, forgiveness and remembering that we can muster to live through the coming times of a changing planet. We can all see the dying of the trees and hear about the deaths of wildlife, we all know someone who has died from cancer, someone who is waiting for a life-giving operation, we are all hurting from the growing economic challenges of recent months. We can all feel angry and hurt about “them”, whether it is the government, the stock market, the large corporations, you name it.

I suggest we all learn to heal, forgive and remember. Take personal responsibility where it is possible. Let go of all the baggage about “them” that continues to injure us. And join together to “look back to decide how to do it better the next time” and heal with the planet and each other.

BTS know: It’s thought that up 95 percent of people who have HIV will suffer from anaemia (not having enough red blood cells) at some stage. If you have anaemia you’ll probably feel tired all the time and find it difficult to get out of bed. You could also suffer from headaches and dizziness. It’s essential to see a healthcare professional if you’re experiencing these symptoms so that it can be treated. You should eat more iron-rich foods such as green leafy vegetables, beans, lentils and lean red meat and drink lots of water. If the anaemia is severe you may need to take an iron supplement or medication. Sometimes anaemia is caused byan anti-retroviral medication, which may then have to be changed.

SOME BTS TIPS: Five Pillars to your Victory

1 Health: Understand the factors of good health and commit to lifestyle adjustments. Eat a balanced diet, treat minor illnesses as they arise and if on ARV please take off time daily

2 Excellence: Excel and produce quality in all that you do. Being HIV + does not mean you can not do good .I know you can do well in everything you do.

3 Knowledge: Use awareness as a tool to free yourself from unhappiness because hope is there for you

4 Honesty: Be honest to your partner at all time about your sex life and life in general.

5 Value: Understand that you are valuable, and do not be afraid to make your point or share your opinion.

It was decided that this year’s the theme should be “Prevention” as preventing new HIV infections is Namibia’s best bet in fighting the epidemic. This issue is vital to the community because, while Namibia’s rate of HIV infection was 19.9% in 2006, the rate for Luderitz was actually higher at 22.5%. As unprotected sex accounts for the vast majority of infections, the events of this year’s World AIDS Awareness Week continuously promoted the use of condoms while discouraging the use of alcohol (due to its connection with unsafe sex.)

The Week opened on Monday, November 24th, at the Luderitz State Clinic with remarks from Hon. Cllr. D. Schoombe and a speech on prevention by Dr. D. Nkalamo. After which a group of prisoners, from Lüderitz Prison, gave an enjoyable, thought provoking, and well received drama about how the abuse of alcohol can lead to unsafe sex and contracting HIV. The day ended with the message of condom use being further stressed by a condom demonstration given by the Luderitz HIV/ AIDS Support and Counselling Group.

The next few days included a video screening at the Luderitz Youth Centre, a memorial service attended by the local churches, and a debate between volunteers at the Benguela Hall. This last event was interesting as it focused on which message is the most successful in preventing new HIV infections: abstinence until marriage or consistent condom use. The two opposing groups argued back and forth on the effectiveness of condoms and whether the average person will actually remain abstinent until marriage. In the end both the teams did an excellent job, making the judges’ decision very difficult.

On the Friday a Fun Day was held at the Waterfront, including volleyball matches, a jumping castle, and a performance by local artists, such as Superman. While this event did not attract as large a crowd as was hoped, it was effective in finding a fun way of raising awareness about HIV and AIDS.

The last day of the 2008 World AIDS Awareness Week began on Saturday the 29th as Navy officers led members of CACOC on a march through Luderitz. Proudly displaying a banner with such slogans as “It’s all about respect,” “Safe sex saves lives,” “Living and loving positively,” and “Together we can make it,” the marchers carried on through the town, singing songs of HIV prevention. One by one Buchters came out of their homes and businesses to watch, and hopefully each one of them stopped to reflect upon what they were doing to fight the pandemic. The march ended at Benguela Hall and the day carried on with speeches and condom demonstrations to further cement the message of prevention. As the day ended, it was announced that the latest report on Namibia’s HIV infection rate showed that it dropped to 17.8%, leaving the crowd in high hopes. The Buchters came together to put on this great event, and now one can only hope that the Bucht will heed the advice and protect itself against HIV/ AIDS. It is in our hands.

• Monday, 9am at the ARV clinic: opening day, speech on prevention, demonstration of condom usage, drama by prisoners from Lüderitz Prison

• Tuesday, 3pm, at the Youth, Arts and Cultural Centre: video screening on prevention of HIV/AIDS

• Wednesday, 2pm, at the Benguela Community Centre: debate with support groups on prevention methods

• Thursday, 7pm, at the Benguela Community Centre: memorial service with church groups

• Friday, 11am, at the Waterfront: fun day with volleyball matches, jumping castle, concert featuring local artists

• Saturday, 8am, Hospital -> Benguela Community Centre: Official ending day of the week, march from hospital to Benguela centre, speeches, dramas and performances.

AIDS in Namibia

The events of last November mark a step forward in society’s ability to confront HIV/AIDS and saw different people from different backgrounds and nationalities coming together and standing up against this terrible disease. And yet despite this good work each event throughout the week only saw a few members of the Lüderitz population in attendance. “We had expected so many more people to come” said one event organiser for the Friday Fun Day, the most youth orientated event, “but people just don’t want to hear anything about AIDS.” It is estimated that 21% of Namibia’s population (that’s one in four people) are living with HIV/AIDS. Namibia is ranked as having the 6th highest HIV/AIDS rate in the world so why, when there’s an event designed to raise awareness and show solidarity for carriers of the disease, was there such a low turnout of people? The answer; embarrassment, disinterest and stigma. Never before has a disease received such medical, media and research coverage and yet been so taboo to talk about, not only in Namibia or in Africa but across the entire globe. Is admitting to being HIV positive tantamount to destroying your social life? Your job prospects? Your family? And if so then why?

“Stigma remains the single most important barrier to public action. It is a main reason why too many people are afraid to see a doctor to determine whether they have the disease, or to seek treatment if so. It helps make AIDS the silent killer, because people fear the social disgrace of speaking about it, or taking easily available precautions. Stigma is a chief reason why the AIDS epidemic continues to devastate societies around the world”

Ban Ki Moon, UN General Secretary

Why is there stigma?

When discussing AIDS it’s important to remember that it is a new disease and as a result of that we do not yet know enough about it in order to cure it. This lack of knowledge leads to a fear that can be so irrational that it causes some of us to completely shun those who are infected, as if by touching them or breathing the same air as them we too will become HIV positive. Furthermore the disease is associated with socially undesirable activities, for example prostitution, drug addiction and homosexuality, leading many to believe that HIV carriers are undesirable people who should be avoided. Finally some believe that AIDS is a punishment from God and therefore comes to those who deserve it.

Stigma is a powerful and dangerous thing; it can mean the difference between social solidarity and social rejection, the difference between admitting to having the disease and accepting the drugs that will help and ignoring the illness and refusing any medication. It can mean the difference between being too proud to get tested and spreading the disease and staying safe and wearing a condom. It can even mean the difference between life and death. HIV/ AIDS is a vast and terrible disease and ignoring its existence or refusing to accept those who have been infected is only going to make the problem worse.

It’s nearly a year since we commemorated world AIDS day and the time has come for us to do so again. December 1st is a time for the whole world to come together under one cause; to fight against AIDS, one of the most awful diseases on the planet. On every world AIDS day there is a theme and slogan, this year theme is Leadership for Prevention and the slogan is Zero Tolerance against new infections. However, whilst world AIDS day is a fantastic occasion, the fight against AIDS is an ongoing problem and therefore we as a community must treat it as such; this year let us make a point of not only working against this horrible disease on December 1st but also work against it all year round.

HIV-AIDS is not black or white, it affects us all in Lüderitz and it’s about time that every Buchter plays his or her part. If you are infected with the virus know that every sunrise and sunset brings new possibility for a better life for you. This month make it your goal to see every day God gives you as an opportunity to improve your life, turn your past disappointments into future opportunities and focus on where you want to go instead of where and how you got the virus. Make being happy your number one priority.

BTS KNOW THIS: Cigarette smoking is a bad habit even for those in good health, but it is particularly dangerous for those with HIV. If you are HIV positive and smoke you are more likely to develop opportunistic infections, you are more likely to have lower CD4 counts and more likely to have an HIV related disease developing at a quicker rate; studies have shown HIV positive smokers develop AIDS faster than non –smokers. HIV positive smokers are also less likely to have successful HIV drug therapy; researchers think smoking may cause anti-retroviral drugs not to work as well as they should.