AN EXAMINATION AND POSSIBLE SOLUTION OF HIV/AIDS AS A SOCIAL DISEASE IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1     BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The continuous increase in the infection of HIV/AIDS and the transmission from one source to another has become a major factor leading to death and decrease in population of our society at large, knowing fully well that HIV/AIDS has no cure.

The rapid rate of transmission is overpowering man’s ability to find a lasting solution to this deadly disease in Nigeria. HIV is an abbreviation for human immune virus, while AIDS is an acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome in the mobility and mortality weekly report (MMWR) of the centre for disease control (c. D. C.) in 1982 and fined as a disease at least moderately occurring with known excuse from diminished resistance to that disease (C. D.C., 1982). Hence, it is asserted that the deficiency in the immune system resulted in fatal disease called HIV is a causative agent of AIDS.

1.2     STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

HIV/AIDS is a great problem in Nigeria which is as a result of contamination from infected source (unprotected sex, human trafficking etc.) the study tends to find out the prevalence of HIV/AIDS using Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State as case study. It also aimed at estimating the level of awareness of the general public and to unveil the effect on man.

1.3     PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this study is to provide adequate account on the widespread of HIV/AIDS,. As a result, determining its occurrence and estimation of the level of awareness, the causes and effects will also be unveiled.

1.4     SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The following are the importance` of this study:

1.   It affords the researcher the opportunity of learning about HIV/AIDS and its prevalence, hence available for those who wish to educate on HIV/AIDS.

2.   It will help the local government to be aware of the occurrence of people living with HIV/AIDS.

3.   It will also save the country as a whole from the lost of probable useful manpower in the future.

1.5     SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This study/research is limited to Edo State using Oredo Local Government Area as a case study. The researcher covered the causes of HIV/AIDS, effects on human health and it’s preventive measures in Edo State of Nigeria.

1.6     BASIC RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1.   Is the public aware of the HIV/AIDS disease?

2.   Do they (the public) know of its existence?

3.   Do they know any person living with HIV/AIDS?

4.   Is the public aware of its causes, signs and symptoms?

5.   Do they guard against the disease?

1.7     DEFINITION OF TERMS

HIV: Is an abbreviation for the word Human Immuno Deficiency Virus and it is the virus that causes the disease AIDS.

Aids: AIDS is an abbreviation for the word acquired immune deficiency syndrome. It is referred to an illness which attacks the defense system of the body (i.e. the white blood cells). It is caused by the virus HIV and usually leads to death.

Prevalence: This is referred to as the widespread of a particular thing at a time, the existing commonly at a high rate at a particular time.