Cara Beck
Soc. 202
Dec. 1, 2008
AIDS is still the number one health threat in the world. Over one million Americans are living with HIV/AIDS. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are taking steps like to prevent the spread of this disease. One example of these preventions would be testing the blood samples of all individuals between 13 and 64 for HIV. HIV/AIDS so often goes undetected because an individual can go years after becoming infected without testing positive for the disease. HIV is spread by blood, sex, needles being shared, and during pregnancy- these variables affect people equally regardless of age, gender, color, or social status.
U.S. infection rates show that the voluntary testing program has not been effective enough. Today in America it is not even required for pregnant women to be tested. All measures in the U.S. involving HIV testing are voluntary. The writer of this article feels that HIV/AIDS tests should be given by the government to protect public health.
1 comment:
This is an alarming issue. Although many would find this controversial, having institutions such as schools/universities require HIV/AIDS testing would greatly effect the percentage of people who receive treatment. Any steps making this testing more necessary/mandantory would help.
Post a Comment