Introduction
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a disease that develops among individuals with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The virus is mainly sexually transmitted; however, it can spread through sharing needles, illicit injection drug use, and contact with infected blood. People get AIDS after the virus severely damages the immune system. Effective AIDS prevention and treatment is the only approach to containing the disease and ensuring the infected individuals have a better life. An evaluation of the historical perspective of AIDS prevention and treatment, its significance in healthcare, medical profession views, public opinion and debate, and legal or ethical issues can facilitate a better understanding of the topic.
Important Historical Perspective of AIDS Prevention and Treatment
A series of significant milestones characterize the history of AIDS prevention and treatment, from when the disease was recognized to the present day. The first cases of AIDS were reported in 1981 among gay men and users of intravenous drugs in the United States (Padamsee, 2018). According to Ng’uni et al. (2020), the HIV, a pathogen that causes AIDS was then identified in 1983. Efforts to find treatment for the disease led to the introduction of azidothymidine (AZT), the first antiretroviral drug, in 1985 as a medication for AIDS. A highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) was developed in 1996, leading to a significant improvement in AIDS prognosis and a reduction in AIDS-related mortalities (Ng’uni et al., 2020). Two years later, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of protease inhibitors in combination with other antiretroviral drugs to treat AIDS.
The fight against AIDS intensified when international organizations such as United Nations (UN) joined the effort. According to Ng’uni et al. (2020), the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) was established in 2000, showing amplified global commitment to combat the disease. Antiretroviral became more convenient and easier to adhere to in 2003 when FDA approved a once-daily single-tablet regimen for treating AIDS. The United States National HIV/AIDS Strategy, which emphasized a comprehensive approach to the prevention and treatment of AIDS and the reduction of disparities in AIDS-related health outcomes, was released in 2010. The FDA further approved antiretroviral drugs for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) that minimized the risks of acquiring the virus in 2013. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released updated guidelines for HIV/AIDS testing and treatment in 2017. Today, AIDS prevention and treatment continue to develop, with advances in antiretroviral therapy allowing people with the disease to have longer and healthier lives. Nevertheless, notable disparities continue in access to care and treatment among marginalized communities, making them one of the priorities in the fight against AIDS.
Significance of AIDS Prevention and Treatment in Today’s Healthcare World
AIDS prevention and treatment are significant in today’s healthcare world for several reasons, including global health crisis, economic impact, prevention and education role, disproportionate impacts, the importance of antiretroviral therapy, and research and innovation. AIDS is one of the major global health crises, where more than 38 million people are living with HIV/AIDS worldwide (World Health Organization, 2022). The disease is prevalent in low and middle-income countries because of limited access to care and treatment. The economic impact of the AIDS pandemic is undeniable since it is associated with direct and indirect costs for treatment and loss of productivity, respectively. Individuals with HIV/AIDS are vulnerable to opportunistic illnesses and cannot work if their conditions are untreated.
Prevention for HIV/AIDS transmission remains the most significant component of the response to the pandemic. Governmental and non-governmental organizations’ efforts to educate and create awareness in the communities continue to have a pivotal role in minimizing the spreading of the virus and the stigma associated with the disease. HIV/AIDS disproportionately impacts marginalized communities such as impoverished individuals, people of color, and gay and bisexual men (World Health Organization, 2022). This factor leads to disparities in AIDS-related health outcomes worldwide. Antiretroviral therapy further makes AIDS prevention and treatment significant in modern healthcare. The medication is an effective approach to managing the disease and virus transmission, and it remains a critical element of the global response to the AIDS epidemic. Research focusing on developing new and enhanced medications, vaccines, and prevention strategies in today’s healthcare continues to be an imperative area of concentration in the fight against the disease internationally.
Medical Profession Views on AIDS Prevention and Treatment
The medical profession views AIDS prevention and treatment as a critical aspect of healthcare. According to Chimoyi et al. (2022), healthcare professionals such as physicians and nurses play a significant role in diagnosing, treating, and preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS. Medical professionals acknowledge the importance of early diagnosis and access to medication as an integral approach to managing the disease and guaranteeing improved health outcomes among AIDS victims. Moreover, they understand the significance of established prevention strategies, such as use of condoms and PrEP, in reducing virus transmission. Further, many medical professionals actively participate in research and advocacy efforts to improve the response to the AIDS epidemic. For instance, the professionals are involved in clinical trials for new drugs and prevention strategies and working to reduce stigma and discrimination-related to the disease. Therefore, the medical profession views AIDS prevention and treatment as a critical issue of healthcare that necessitates continuous attention, research, and action.
Public Opinion and Debate as to the Substance of AIDS Prevention and Treatment
Political, social, and cultural attitudes are some of the factors that shape public opinion and debate surrounding AIDS prevention and treatment. Public opinion and debate involve stigma and discrimination, prevention strategies, funding and access to care, drug pricing, and accessibility. Individuals living with AIDS faced significant stigma and discrimination during the early years of the pandemic since most people viewed the illness as a gay disease or punishment for immoral behavior (Padamsee, 2018). Stigma continues to be an issue among marginalized communities, such as people living in poverty. HIV/AIDS prevention strategies, such as use of condoms and PrEP, have been a subject of debate and controversy, where some religious and conservative communities oppose certain methods.
There have been ongoing debates and advocacy efforts regarding funding for AIDS research and treatment. The proponents argue for allocating more funds for research and access to antiretroviral medication in developing countries, where access to care is limited. Additionally, the high cost of antiretroviral drugs continues to be a debate, with advocates arguing for improved access to affordable medication for individuals with AIDS (Padamsee, 2018). Despite the progress in fighting against the AIDS pandemic, the ongoing efforts should address these challenges and enhance response to the disease.
Legal or Ethical Issues Pertinent to the Essence AIDS Prevention and Treatment
The pertinent legal and ethical issues associated with AIDS prevention and treatment are confidentiality and privacy, access to care, discrimination, research ethics, and criminalization of HIV transmission. Confidentiality and privacy in healthcare ensure information shared and discussed between patients are not exposed to third parties or unauthorized persons. AIDS patients have a right to privacy and confidentiality, and healthcare professionals have legal and ethical obligations to protect their clients’ information (Kanazawa et al., 2021). Nevertheless, the information may be disclosed without patients’ consent, leading to stigma and discrimination. Every individual has the right to access care regardless of their health status and social class. Access to care, including antiretroviral therapy, among people living with AIDS continues to be a significant challenge worldwide, especially in developing countries. Such an issue raises legal and ethical questions regarding the right to health and access to critical medications.
Laws in most countries prohibit discrimination against persons living with AIDS, including in healthcare, workplaces, and housing. However, these individuals continue to face discrimination, a challenge that requires considerable effort to address. There are ethical questions regarding informed consent, the use of placebo controls, and the protection of participants in research into new and improved treatment for AIDS (Kanazawa et al., 2021). Bernard et al. (2022) note that more than 50 countries criminalize HIV transmission, raising concerns about human rights and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS. These nations appear to address new HIV transmission and acquisition by punishing individuals living with HIV/AIDS. These legal and ethical issues highlight the need for enhanced advocacy, policy change, and education in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Summary and Conclusion
AIDS prevention and treatment is an approach that helps minimize virus transmission and AIDS-related deaths. A series of significant milestones characterize the history of AIDS prevention and treatment. AIDS prevention and treatment are significant in today’s healthcare world for several reasons such as global health crisis, economic impact, prevention and education role, and disproportionate impacts. The medical profession views AIDS prevention and treatment as a critical aspect of healthcare. Public opinion and debate involve stigma and discrimination, prevention strategies, funding, and access to care. The pertinent legal and ethical issues are confidentiality and privacy, access to care, and discrimination associated with AIDS prevention and treatment. The disparities in access to prevention and treatment services and AIDS-related health outcomes must be addressed to make the fight against the pandemic more effective.
References
Bernard, E. J., Symington, A., & Beaumont, S. (2022). Punishing vulnerability through HIV criminalization. American Journal of Public Health, 112(S4), 395–397. Web.
Chimoyi, L., Chikovore, J., Musenge, E., Mabuto, T., Chetty-Makkan, C. M., Munyai, R., Nchachi, T., Charalambous, S., & Setswe, G. (2022). Understanding factors influencing utilization of HIV prevention and treatment services among patients and providers in a heterogeneous setting: A qualitative study from South Africa. PLOS Global Public Health, 2(2), 1–19. Web.
Kanazawa, J., Gianella, S., Concha-Garcia, S., Taylor, J., Kaytes, A., Christensen, C., Patel, H., Ndukwe, S., Rawlings, S., Hendrickx, S., Little, S., Brown, B., Smith, D., & Dubé, K. (2021). Ethical and practical considerations for Interventional HIV Cure-related research at the end-of-life: A qualitative study with key stakeholders in the United States. PLOS ONE, 16(7), 1–35. Web.
Ng’uni, T., Chasara, C., & Ndhlovu, Z. M. (2020). Major scientific hurdles in HIV vaccine development: Historical perspective and future directions. Frontiers in Immunology, 11, 1–17. Web.
Padamsee, T. J. (2018). Fighting an epidemic in political context: Thirty-five years of HIV/AIDS policy making in the United States. Social History of Medicine, 33(3), 1001–1028. Web.
World Health Organization. (2022). HIV. WHO. Web.