Final Project-Aids in Africa

My final project was to take a trip to Uganda and study AIDS in Africa. I began to become interested in AIDS when I was forced to take an AIDS test. While I was in the room with the nurse I fell apart while waiting for the result. When my test came back negative I was relieved, but I almost felt sorry for people that are too scared to get an AIDS test. It is a scary thing, and there should be a way to help people overcome their fears also provide opportunities for people to take an AIDS test.

I picked Uganda because they have had success in their AIDS prevention campaign. My trip will consist of starting her at the local high schools taking a survey and hold an assembly to talk to the students about AIDS. Then my trip will start with me getting my passport, documentations, and vaccines.

While I am in Uganda I am going to visit the hospitals and talk to some patients and hear their stories. I didn't want to come back with a bunch of numbers because they are human and they should be heard instead of being represented by a number. During my 2nd week I want to go to the organizations that help with prevention of AIDS. We are going to sit around a come up with plans that I can take back to America and ways to make Uganda's programs better.

Once I leave Uganda my plan is to start rapid AIDS testing site in high schools and at local religious organizations. These sites need to be accessible to people. Most people that do not get AIDS test is the poor. We need to take the stigma away for AIDS it is a horrible disease but it is manageable like diabetes, cancer. It is okay to take the test it is not a death sentence.

My trip will be financed by my dad. I know that sounds strange, but it is true. My dad will be willing to finance my trip. He has been to Africa and once I express interest in going he will be ready to send me there in a heartbeat.

I just asked that if anyone has not gotten an AIDS test please do and encourage others to get tested. Especially minorities. It is the number cause of death for black women. Right now black women are becoming extinct. If you go to a rapid AIDS testing site it takes 20 minutes to get your result. Be aware the nurse doing the test will ask you a lot of questions like What if you do have AIDS? How will you tell your family? It is worth it.