photoshop_project_hiv.jpg |
What is the topic?
- The HIV/AIDS epidemic in Southern Africa.
- There are 6.3 million people living with HIV in South Africa out of the 53 million in the world. That means that almost 12% of people living with HIV/AIDS in the world live in South Africa.
- South Africa contains the biggest and highest profile HIV epidemic in the world.
- 200 000 people died directly from AIDS in South Africa in 2013.
- In 2013, there were 350 000 reported cases of recently contracted HIV/AIDS.
- People do not have access to proper prevention, treatment, care, and support in terms of HIV/AIDS.
- People are vulnerable to getting HIV/AIDs because they are unable to realize their civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights
- People who are denied the right to freedom of association and access to information may be denied the information and discussing issue related to HIV
- Many children are orphaned due to their parents dying of AIDS.
- Discrimination and stigma are both issues that surround the HIV epidemic. The rights of people living with HIV are often violated because of their known HIV status. They may suffer the physical burden of living with the disease and simultaneously struggle with the effects it has in their life.Stigmatization, ignorance, and discrimination can obstruct peoples access to treatment and could easily affect their employment, housing, and other rights. This increases the risk of others getting the infection and discourages people from seeking medical help if available.
Paragraph:
The background of my picture is a cemetery that appears to be in a fairly poor area. Compared to other cemeteries with stone/iron graves, this one has wooden crosses. I chose this to represent a cemetery that could be located in an underprivileged community in Africa where HIV/AIDS is a problem. I photo-shopped a young girl into the cemetery who also appears to be poor shown through her appearance. I chose this to represent the children that are affected by HIV/AIDS. Close to 15 million children recorded have lost their parents to HIV/AIDs. The AIDs epidemic has orphaned millions of children so I chose this girl to represent that. I also photo-shopped the AIDS red ribbon onto the girls dress to show her loss and sadness due to the epidemic. This ribbon is recognized as a symbol of the struggle and fight towards HIV/AIDs. It represents unity, hope, and support. The ribbon is what ties the picture to HIV/AIDS.
Questions:
- How might you view the epidemic differently if you lived in sub-saharan Africa?
- What other impacts might HIV/AIDS have? (economy, family, education)
- What are possible solutions to decrease the stigmatization of AIDS?