The Challenges of HIV/AIDS and their Implications for Women Productivity in Nigeria

Abstract

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and its twin 'doomsday' virus Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV) have become what may probably be the worst epidemic to afflict humanity and the toughest medical quiz for scientists. The reality of the HIV/AIDS is becoming frightening as global statistics have shown alarming increase, in the prevalence of the disease. In Nigeria, the rate of HIV infection is increasing daily. In fact over 4 million Nigerians are estimated as at 2005 to have been infected with HIV with about 10% having full-blown AIDS. Among these, women form the greater percentage of people who not only get infected but are affected and suffer the untold hardship that follow the aftermath of a death from AIDS. Indeed it has been established that women are more susceptible to HIV/AIDS transmission than men. If this is the case, what then becomes of women productivity level? It should be noted that women's health is the surest road to health for all vis-a-vis productivity. It is vital then, to expose the truth about this killer disease to all and women in particular. This paper is a step in that direction. It provides an overview of HIV/ AIDS and its menace. It specifically discusses the challenges of HIV AIDS to women's productivity. Finally, it puts forward strategies for reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS as an effective panacea for women productivity in this decade.