Imani Belgrave

Douglas
English 112
11 December 2014
Listen to the Public
HIV is an immunodeficiency disorder that weakens the immune system. This disease
disables the bodys ability to protect itself from infections, bacteria, and other diseases
(aids.gov). Our society has is filled with many individuals, who have a different backgrounds
and come from different places. Over the years as HIV has been researched, this disease is
known to not have a cure. Victims, doctors, and the government are all important groups in our
society who have a dramatic impact on the world. These groups all share different thoughts,
cures, notions, and philosophies on the HIV illness. We can begin by analyzing the different
perspectives of the groups.
One very important group of the perspectives are the individual infected with the disease.
The victims are one of the most important groups because these are the individuals living with
pain, every day challenges, and the judgment of the world due to the HIV illness. In a 2008,
press interview, editor in chief, Regan Hoffman shares her personal experiences living with the
HIV illness. She quotes living with HIV feels like I have swallowed a hand grenade with the pin
pulled out. She also tells how having HIV effected aspect of her life. It has affected her
children, spouse, family, friends, health, career, and financial status. Hoffman wants the voices
of HIV victims to be heard, so all of the many concerns with the virus can be known. Hoffman is
currently working with The Foundation for Aids Research to help individuals understand how
HIV works, and to better educate the HIV community. This example gives an insight of a victim
dealing with HIV, who wants to make a difference.

Physicians and medications are used to protect, help, prevent, and study the virus. The
Aaron Diamond Aids Research Center is a facility that studies people with the HIV infection.
Physicians explain the important research contributes to the development of potentially effective
vaccines against HIV. Being diagnosed may prevent individuals from transmitting to other
people (adarc). Symptoms of the immunodeficiency illness include fever, fatigue, swollen lymph
nodes, diarrhea, weight loss, cough, and shortness of breath (Mayo Clinic). Contraceptives,
testing, and physician checkups are methods of prevention. The medications used today for
treatments are known as Antiretroviral or Inhibitors. By taking a certain amount prescribed will
insure protection for your immune system. Physicians use their voices to inform our society on
the proper medicines, techniques, and procedures to take. Physicians specialize in health, which
gives them the advantage to better understand the epidemic.
Most recently, According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention about one
point two million Americans have HIV, and twenty percent of them are undiagnosed.
Approximately 50,000 people become infected each year, and more than 18,000 die annually.
The government is a primary source for monitoring the HIV victims throughout the world, and
speaking on the subject. The government informs individuals on the progression, behaviors, and
high risks of the HIV infection. Although the government regulates the mass majority, they could
be the voice of reasoning. The government has information about HIV from a widespread of
categories. Instead of speaking on HIV only medically, emotionally, personality, the government
provides realistic facts. The facts come from events, research, and studies. For instance,
governmental officials like, President Barack Obama. According to the office of National Aids
Policy, Obama has implemented goals to help aids worldwide. These goals include reducing the
incidence, increasing care, optimizing health outcomes, and reducing related health disparities.

Works cited
"AIDS.gov." Welcome to AIDS.gov. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Oct. 2014.
"AmfAR. Home. The Foundation for AIDS Research. HIV / AIDS Research.". N.p., n.d.
Web. 30 Oct. 2014
"FAQs." Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Oct. 2014.
Mayo Clinic Staff. "HIV/AIDS." Symptoms. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education
and Research, 20 May 2014. Web. 30 Oct. 2014.
"National HIV/AIDS Strategy." The White House. The White House, n.d. Web. 11 Dec. 2014.

"Statistics Center." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, 27 Oct. 2014. Web. 30 Oct. 2014.