|
Lack of Education On HIV 'Endangers Old People'
Allafrica.com
May
2, 2008
Tanzania
Old people taking care of their grandchildren whose parents have died from HIV/Aids are in danger of contracting the disease due to lack of education on it.
This concern was raised yesterday by the programme manager of a non governmental organization called Help Age, Mr Musa Mgata, at a seminar for media personnel.
He said old people are susceptible to HIV infection, and their vulnerability is increased by lack of knowledge since education is primarily targeted to the youth.
"Older people have not lost only the support of their adult children, but they have taken on additional family responsibilities with potential adverse effects for their well being," said Mr
Mgata.
He said a research conducted has revealed that most of old people who take care of their grandchildren have been isolated by their relatives because of fears that they have also been infected with HIV/Aids.
He said due to lack of awareness among wananchi they tend to believe that any child whose parent has died from HIV/Aids must have been infected too.
He said old people were just a small proportion of the society. They deserved assistance and proper support in their health.
Contrary to that, however, many public medical facilities lack drugs needed for chronic illnesses which normally affect them, he added.
More Information on World Health Issues
Copyright © Global Action on Aging
Terms of Use |
Privacy Policy | Contact
Us
|
