Today, I am addressing challenges faced
in Swaziland, Africa and how citizens cope with these challenges. All
information was obtained from an article on the CNN website that was listed
under World News. I chose my topic in order to increase awareness on the
hardships faced by citizens of other countries around the world. It is
important to have awareness so that interventions can be implemented.
In Swaziland, the economy is poor, and
jobs are very limited. Citizens are losing their jobs and unable to find new
places to work. Youth unemployment rates are over fifty percent. As a result,
many people in this country are unable to provide the basic needs they must
have such as food and housing. Due to job shortages, people are going to every
extreme possible in order to make ends meet. In particular, prostitution has
become a mainstream option for women.
This article consists of an interview
with a woman who is a prostitute. She states that she does not want to be a
prostitute but instead, felt forced into that lifestyle due to her inability to
find a job. She admits to sleeping with 20 men in two weeks and sometimes 5 to
6 men in one day in order feed herself. As a result, she has contracted
HIV.
HIV/AIDS is a major global health
concern and has high prevalence in Swaziland due to high rates of prostitution.
The poor economy in Swaziland contributes to the domino effect due to lack of
jobs resulting in prostitution resulting in the HIV/AIDS endemic. Swaziland has
the highest rate of HIV/AIDS infection worldwide. In fact, 1 in 4 people are
infected. A way that the people of Swaziland can be helped is through
establishing jobs and preventing/treating HIV/AIDS. Awareness should be made on
HIV/AIDS and condom use should be encouraged. Additionally, availability of
anti-retrovirals and other treatment regimens for these infections are crucial
to preserve those affected in Swaziland.
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