WAIT a Team of Inspirations

In the program we got a chance to meet the WAIT (Washington AIDS International Teens) team. I had never heard about the team before. I was really anxious to know about the work and aim of the team. There I met the director of the WAIT Mrs. Kate Tsubata. To my enthusiasm she introduced ourselves to the team and also explained about the work done by the team. I came to know that the team shows various programs; break dance, hip hop, rap, skits, game show and musical performances to make people aware of the fatal disease AIDS. The team involved us in their play where I became HIV virus and some of my friends became T cells. The play was very helpful for me to understand how HIV attacks human body lowering the immune system (defense system against disease of the body)

After returning to my country I was very eager to know about the disease AIDS. The WAIT team provided the video CDs which contained the performances showed by the team in various parts of the world. I watched the video and also went through various health sciences. I came to know that AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is caused by HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) a RNA (genetic material) virus. It is a peculiar virus with enzyme reverse transcriptase which can synthesize DNA form RNA because of which it is also known as retro virus. In human body it affects CD 4 cells, helper T-lymphocytes (which is a part of white blood cells concerned with the immune system). The viruses make the patient immune compressed because of which other disease causing agents can easily attack the patient. The major cause of transmission of AIDS is heterosexual intercourse. Around 75% of the total cause of AIDS in developing countries is acquired by sexual contact with the infected person. The next route of transmission is transfusion of infected blood, syringe sharing among IV drug users. A fetus can also acquire AIDS from infected mother by means of the transplantation transmission and breast milk. But the disease is not transmitted by insect bite, social contact and food, water, etc. People involved in commercial sex, their clients, IV drug users, baby of infected mother and health professionals involved in handling blood products and sharp instruments are at risk.

After a person is infected from AIDS its symptoms are not seen immediately. The time period 3weeks to 3 month is known as window period or latent period of AIDS. During this period antibody test in patient is negative but the patient can transmit the disease. AIDS related complex are seen in patient after window period which is characterized by fever, fatigue, night sweats, weight loss > 10% and unexpected diarrhea for more one month. Due to the massive weight loss this disease is also known as "SLIM Disease". The end stage of AIDS is characterized by opportunistic infections and cancer. In developing countries AIDS patient ultimately dies of tuberculosis. To diagnose AIDS ELISA (enzyme linked immune sorbet assay) is done to detect antibodies and Western Blot test is done to detect protein. There is no curative treatment for AIDS. It is 100% fatal. It is managed by HAART (highly active anti-retro viral drugs). These drugs can lower the multiplication of HIV virus. As the patient is very likely to be attacked by other agents so the patient should always be away from any kind of other infections.

Prevention is always better than cure. AIDS can be prevented 100% if one is careful and aware of the disease. Various preventative measures such as refraining from sexual contact, limiting sex to one life partner and avoiding any blood contact can be adopted. Various programs are lunched by WHO to make people aware of AIDS. Every year 1 st December is celebrated as "The World AIDS Day". The slogan of "The World AIDS

Day-2006" was "Stop AIDS keep The Promise"

 

Every people in the world should know that there is no cure for HIV, no vaccine prevents HIV infection and it has the potential to wipe out the entire human race. Every youth should be inspired by the work of the WAIT team and also involve themselves in such creative and awareness rising activities. The wait team wear a black T-shirt with white letters in which WAIT is written in the front and a message is given in the back which says,                              "You're worth waiting for………..

And so am I"

This message gives the best method of prevention of AIDS. Being abstinent until one gets married helps to save the parents and their future children.

Durga Devi Adhikari

Nepal, Katmandu

durga_adhikari123@yahoo.com