A belief is said to be in the absolute when it is complete and independent; uncompromising and lacking reservation for any other belief save itself. This belief in the absolute varies according to individual temperaments, belief in fact or principle; ideologies and outlook to things. In our every day world we find people acclaiming the existence or non- existence of certain abstract things which they express in the absolute. Such absolute ideas abound like that on reality, fate or predestination, truth, beauty, love and even the believe in an absolute God. However in all this we find ideas contrasting due to difference in opinion or even experience. A great many even tend to answer the question with philosophical rationalistic ideas whereas another few look at it pragmatically. The difference that exists between the two later groups is that while the pragmatists do not entirely deny the existence of absolute edition of ideas they neither believe in its existence. They accuse the rationalist of taking concretely the absolute edition of things. The rationalists on the other hand accuse the pragmatist of sitting on the fence and being cowardly in taking a firm position in the argument. However the belief in the absolute is not what one should treat the way he or she wants. It entails much. Consequently, it would be wiser for one to keep mute if you are not sure of your facts or ready to back it up with convincing arguments. This is because we encounter it everyday of our life. Our position to a great extent determines how the boat of our life sails. No matter how we try, it dogs our footsteps till we take our stand end stick to it. The subsequent discussion. I hope will prove the veracity of the above allusions.

Let us first consider the belief in absolute reality, since people believe in the existence of one and only reality. That is the independence of reality. This is just the rationalist idea of reality. But for pragmatist, reality is still in the making. Schiller calls reality as a mere unresisting ’vλn’ which is to be made over to us. For James Williams we may glimpse at it but never grasp it; what we tend to call the absolute reality for him is just a substitute or faked version of it. This is the pragmatist idea of absolute reality. One can’t help saying that this belief is a matter of choice. This is because in whichever one we tend to believe it reflects adversely on our previous beliefs.
Having reached a stalemate on absolute reality let us consider what people do think about the absoluteness of our destiny. If we assume that everything we do is pre- ordained like the fatalist who believes, that man can do nothing to alter his destiny. Are we ready to accept the fact that the world is a stage with us as actors: are we to believe that we have a foolish God or a puppet master who made the world to watch its inhabitants as characters in a play ? If we are to say no to all this and side with the freewillist who believe that man is absolutely the author of his own destiny- this again leaves us with the question of the veracity of Gods claims as the creator and controller of the universe. Even more disturbing is the doubt it places on the authenticity of the Bible where God stated that without him man can do nothing. The test on John 17: 12 where God again ascertains that all giving to him were safe except the one destined to be lost. All this questions are very unsettling.

Let us consider the absoluteness of truth. For pragmatist like Dewey and Schiller, truth is defined as that which works or gives satisfaction respectively. James Williams states that the “true” is the name of whatever proves itself to be good in the way of belief and good too for definite assignable reasons”. If we are to side with these disciples of multiplicity of truth, who believes in anything being the truth for an individual if he or she wants it. So, that leaves is with many unpalatable questions to answer if a society should operate with such notion of truth one needs not guess much the type of morality that will prevail in it. If what anyone believes counts as true then who would ever acknowledge being in the wrong? Again if we are to believe in the absoluteness of truth how are we to get the standards? This is back to the pragmatist who believes in the notion of new truth being true, if it tolerates and builds itself an previous truth. More so, it is quite evident that our ideas of wrong or right is greatly influenced by how it affects us and in giving such laws self is the first to be considered; our ability to scale through such laws counts in its structure. Are we then for multiple or an absolute truth?
In society today, we see people talking about absolute beauty as if it is realizable quite easily in this terrestrial realm. Well, for the absolute adherents, there is no such thing as absolute beauty; leave for them what the absolutist calls a perfect beauty, they are sure to find one or two defects that stripes that beauty of its absolute standard. Are we to say it is matter of opinion again? It leads us back to where we started. Even at that, the finite nature of man leaves him no right to state any thing as absolute. This is because abstracts such as beauty emanates everyday and lives longer than man himself.

Another abstract that has the quality of absolute attached to it is love. There are claims of people having absolute love for one another but it seems we have much of it from fictional books or dramas. In these books, the authors try to create a world of there own, giving absolute qualities that are far from realizable to characters. But the adherents of the absolute say there is no such love in existence. However, for the pragmatist, the notion of an absolute love stinks. For them, there is no such thing as love let alone having an absolute one. For them, love is a sentiment precipitated by illusionary excitement that fades away leaving the victim in utter hopelessness and frustrations. Is it not foolish to attach the absolute to such a thing? It seems the divine is the only thing that qualifies for the absolute quality. Let us see if it gives us a satisfactory answer.

Lastly let us consider the belief in an absolute God. Our previous discussions have been centered on the rationalistic and empiricist (pragmatic) notion of the absolute. Their notions have been variant in that, while the rationalist claims of the existence of the absolute, the empiricist does not agree totally in its existence. However on the issue of absolute God our world seems to be divided more broadly into the theist, polytheist and the atheists. It will be a waste of time to go into details of the state of belief people has about God. As I said earlier on, it will also lead us back to our previous discussions. on our believes, truth or realities being a matter of opinion and want. But if we are true to ourselves and follow the directives of our conscience, that assertion can’t be true. Any thing can’t be held as true but on the other hand we can’t deny the existence of human or self-element being in our beliefs about our conception of truth, reality or any other abstract.

The world never just existed, something had to trigger off the chain reaction that took place and is still taking place unlike other earthly chain reactions which stops at relatively short periods. I can’t deny the existence of a super-natural (call it super human if you like) influence in our lives. Something affects every human being in a way that if it were in our power we would put it to a stop. That thing, that being or spirit is God and demands absolute respect and every absolute quality. As I said on absolute beauty, the finite nature of man gives him no chance to identify with any absolute quality except on the intervention of the divine.

Conclusively, the use of the absolutes becomes null and void when used to describe human related issues. But since God transcends every absolute, the absolute becomes applicable to humans at his wish.

HIV/AIDS

PANDEMIC IN DEVELOPING

Countries - the way forward


PREAMBLE

Of the 40 million adults and children in the world living with HIV/AIDS in the year 2001, 28 million were in sub-Saharan Africa; 6.5 million were in South/South East Asia; 1.6 million were in Latin America while the remaining 3.9 million were in the developed countries of the world.

The above statistics courtesy of United nations programme of HIV/AIDS (UN-AIDS) points to the fact that the developing countries of the world are suffering most, the impact of HIV/AIDS. The pandemic nature of HIV/AIDS in developing refers to its ubiquity. But, what is HIV/AIDS? Are there ways through which its effect can be eliminated or minimized?


WHAT IS HIV/AIDS?

The Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a dreadful infectious disease which was first recognized in 1981 among American homosexuals. It is caused by an infection with the Human Immune deficiency Virus (HIV). AIDS can aptly be said to be a disorder which damages the immune system through the Ribonucleic acid virus (RNA) HIV. The virus is a retrovirus (of the Lentivirnae subfamily) which replicates inside the T4 1ymphocytes or ‘helper’ cells. Thus these cells can no longer ‘help’ or induce other T cells, called killer cells, to fight invaders. The body immune system breaks down, leaving the patient exposed to a variety of diseases. The virus in binding to the receptors present in the surface of the T4 Lymphocytes, enters the lymphocytes by endocytosis or by fusing with the cell surface membrane and injecting its viral RNA directly into the cell. The viral RNA is then copied into Deoxyribonudeic acid (DNA) by the activity of an enzyme called Reverse Transcriptase. The viral DNA enters the lymphocytes nucleus and becomes incorporated into the cells own DNA. Thus, it becomes a permanent part of the cells of an infected individual. Every time the human cells divides, so does the viral DNA, and thus spread of the viral genes is rapid.


The Viral DNA may remain dormant for at least six years, that is, the LATENCY PERIOD. However, suddenly for some unknown reason, the lymphocyte begins to make copies of the viral genes in the form of messenger RNA. These then migrate from the nucleus into the lymphocyte cytoplasm and direct the synthesis of viral proteins and RNA. These assemble to form new HIV viruses which leave the lymphocyte by budding out from underneath the cell surface membrane. The viruses spread and infect many other Lymphocytes and brain cells. Eventually, the cells in which the virus was multiplied are killed.


However, infection with the HIV virus does not necessarily result in AIDS. As with other diseases, some people remain symptomless and are therefore termed carriers. But, sequel to infection, four distinct phases can be distinguished. During the first phase after infection, the body produces HIV antibodies and there is a short flu-like illness. A skin rash is sometimes seen and there may be swollen lymph glands. Treatment of symptoms is possible and does not always take place in a hospital. The second phase is the antibody - positive phase (HIV - positive phase) it is the period between infection and the onset of clinical signs and may last from a few weeks to 13 or more years. The third phase is the AIDS- related complex (ARC). The individual may contract a variety of conditions. These are described as Opportunistic infections and as this stage are not major, life threatening infections. Common bacterial viral and fungal infections occur and are noted for their persistence and virulence. Oral and genital herpes or athlete’s foot are common examples. The ARC stage kind of lengthens the duration of this type of infection, compared with that in a normal healthy person. There is loss of weight (up to 10% body mass) and a significant drop in number of T helper cells. Appropriate nursing is required since this stage is the first real onset of the disease of body organs and the development of secondary cancers. This marks the onset of HIV wasting syndrome which has been nicknamed ‘the slim disease’ in some African countries. This wasting may be due to cancer in the gut causing the patient to be starved of nutrients. It may also be caused by the body changing from normal anabolism to catabolic crisis in which the body is ‘burnt up’ at a dangerous rate. Hospitalization increases and very few survive longer than five years after this stage.


Having known what HIV/AIDS is, one likely question that comes to mind is, How is HIV CONTRACTED? The HIV virus can only survive in body fluids and is transmitted by blood or semen. In 90% of cases, the transmission is achieved by sexual contact. People can contract the disease through three different modes. The first is through INTIMATE SEXUAL CONTACT. Though the disease was first associated with homosexual communities in American cities, where there were high levels of promiscuity, since then it has become clear that transmission can also take place between heterosexuals. It passes from the infected partner to his/her unaffected partner through vaginal or anal intercourse, or oral sex. The risk becomes proportionately greater amongst those who are promiscuous. The second means is through INFECTED BLOOD ENTERING THE BLOOD STREAM. AIDS can be contracted by intravenous drug users practicing self injection by means of unsterilized needles and syringes. Once in the blood stream of the drug addict, HIV can be passed on through sexual activity, to other drug users and to the general public. Unfortunately. the disease can be contracted after being given blood or blood products already infected with HIV. This has happened to some hemophiliacs who were given factor VIII (Anti hemophilic factor A) from infected blood. Moreso, close contact between infected and non-infected people through cuts and open wounds has also been known to pass on the virus. The third means is from MOTHER TO BABY. An infected pregnant woman can pass on the virus to her baby through the placenta at birth or through breast milk during suckling. The chances of the infection being transmitted from the mother to her baby are currently estimated to be 25 - 50%.


WHY IS HIV/AIDS PANDEMIC IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES?

As stated initially, the pandemic nature of HIV/AIDS in developing countries refers to its ubiquity. According to statistics, of the 40 million people living with HIV/AIDS in the world, 36.1 million are found among the developing countries of sub-Saharan Africa, South/South East Asia and Latin America white the remaining 3.9 million are found in the developed countries. For a disease that was first recognized in the developed country of United States of America, one cannot help wondering why its prevalence in developing countries have surpassed that in developed countries in so short a time. What is it that makes developing countries so vulnerable to HIV/AIDS?

AIDS is the leading cause of death in sub-Saharan Africa. Of the 5.6 million new HIV infection in 1999(according to UN-AIDS) 4 million were in Africa. Half the infections occurred among young people ages 15 - 24, with females representing more than half of the victims. 25% of adults in Botswana, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Zambia, South Africa and Namibia are infected with HIV. Life expectancy in most affected countries will drop by as much as 20 years, rapidly reversing development gains made over 30 years. Reliable reports issued by renowned international institutions (such as World Bank and UN-AIDS) estimate that there will be 40 million AIDS orphans in sub-Saharan Africa in the year 2010. The countries of South East Asia such as Cambodia., Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, which are at various stages of development are also plagued by the scourge of HIV/AIDS. These developing countries have a lot in common which may explain why they are faced with a similar problem.


That there exist a correlation between HIV/AIDS and poverty is a crystal clear truth. The four apocalyptic challenges confronting man towards the end of the twentieth century (namely AIDS, destruction of the environment, population growth, war and the flight of refugees) and their consequences have their roots in poverty, underdevelopment and the unequal distribution of resources at all levels. This is especially the case in the developing countries. AIDS is not only a symbol of poverty but a disease of poverty. It thrives on poverty and condemns its victim to poverty. It is poverty that breeds commercial sex workers (CSW’s), commercial blood donors (CBD’s) and injecting drug wars (IDU’s), that are serious sources of HIV/AIDS.

Second, the sexual route which is of primary importance in the transmission of HIV in the world depends on culture, norms and taboos of a particular area. In Asia, premarital sex and extramarital sex is tolerated in the male population while it is unacceptable among women. This has resulted in an increased demand for prostitution, a potent vehicle of the HIV. Similarly, the cultural practice of polygamy in Africa may be a latent factor in the transmission and spread of HIV, especially in women. The subordinate status of women in some culture gives them little or no choice about whether or with whom they have sex and in most cases not often in a position to influence their partners sexual behavioural practices including the use of condom.

Third, limited access to health services and inadequacy of available ones is another factor contributing to the widespread of HIV/AIDS in developing countries. The developing countries do not have the sophisticated health infrastructure capable of eliminating the spread of HIV/AIDS through blood transfusion, mother to child transmission, and unsterilized skin equipments. The cost of AIDS cocktails are prohibitive for sub-Saharan African countries. These drugs can cost as much as $20,000 per person per year, will beyond the financial capacity of African heath care systems.


Fourth, the lack of awareness about HIV/AIDS in developing countries is a major cause of the disease. Among some Africans AIDS is still a myth. Some do not even believe in the reality of the disease, in that a good many still believe that it is a made up story to frighten people from sex. The protective function of condoms is yet not fully appreciated.


Fifth, the ever present incidence of wars which has increased mobility and migration of people in developing countries is a source of the HIV/AIDS infection. This tends to increase high rates of changes in sexual partners, participation in transactional sex and unsafe sexual practices. The part played by military personnel on peace keeping mission to these areas is not to be underestimated.


Lastly, a major portion of the responsibility for the rapid spread of HIV/AIDS is due to the silence of developing countries political leadership. The non-chalant and inept attitude of governments in developing countries is a vital cause of the spread of the disease. For instance, the late South African presidential spokesman Parks Mankahlana even suggested publicly that it was not cost effective to save children whose mothers were doomed to die of AIDS: "We don’t want a generation of Orphans" Yet these children - 70,000 are born. HIV positive in South Africa alone every year could be protected from the disease for about $4 each with the drug nevirapine(Times magazine January 12, 2001.)


THE WAY FORWARD

Given all these glaring and gruesome facts, the pertinent question that comes to mind is, what is the way forward? The way forward involves treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS for the infected and non infected respectively.

Treatment involves first, RESTORING THE IMMUNE SYSTEM. The strengthening of the immune system is a logical step to help the body cells to combat the virus. Suppressor T Cells in cultures appear to be able to control the HIV virus. A combination of bore marrow transplant (from an identical twin) antiviral drugs and transfusions of lymphocyte blood cells is a form of treatment that has worked once. The use of lymphokines a protein substance is another line of attack. A specific type of INTERFERON called alpha-interferon has shown some success in causing the regression of Kaposi’s Sarcoma (a skin cancer associated with AIDS) DEVELOPMENT OF DRUGS is another form of treatment. Notable among these drugs are Azidothymidine (AZT) which has achieved modest success with prolonged life for the patients. Zalcitabine is a sister compound of AZT that has been shown to block replication of the HIV virus in laboratory cultures. However, it is highly toxic in human unlike AZT which has the side effect of causing Anaemia. Glycyrrhizin has been shown by Japanese researchers to be capable of halting the growth of HIV virus, though no clinical trials have yet been conducted. Ribavirin as shown by laboratory studies, inhibits the replication of the AIDS virus and increase the number of T4 cells without damaging the infected cells.

Preventive measures are required to protect those not yet exposed to HIV .First among these measure is the Adoption of good moral standards. Abstaining from sex prior to infection is a sure way of preventing sexually transmitted infection of HIV. Faithfulness to one’s uninfected partner will prevent HIV infection. In order to achieve this, religious groups have a big part to play in directing their members to adopt good moral standards in order to help reduce infection rate as has been achieved in Northern African countries where their religious practice (Islam) promotes conservative sexual behaviour.

Second, is the prevention of sexual transmission of HIV/AIDS. This can be achieved by awareness and provision of HIV/AIDS education to all children in and out of school by integrating HIV/AIDS education into their school curriculum. This have achieved success in Uganda where anti-AIDS campaign is at its peak. Moreso, the use of a barrier during intercourse can prevent the virus from infecting through blood or semen. Thus the use of a sheath or condom is recommended.

Third, is the prevention of HIV/AIDS transmission through blood and blood products. This cannot be achieved without active participation of the government of developing countries by backing it up with policies. This can be achieved by providing efficient blood transfusion service, screening centres and blood banks. This will put commercial blood donors out of business. This have achieved a huge success in Britain where since 1985 strict legislations have prevented the use of infected blood. All donor of organs transplant including sperm for artificial insemination must be screened for HIV. Moreso, injecting drug users (IDU’S) should be educated on the need to use clean needles and syringes and if possible they should be provided with free ones as done in Netherlands.

Fourth, is the prevention of HIV infection through perinatal transmission. This involves both proper education of mothers and also government policies by provision of access to anti-retroviral therapy which has been shown to reduce mother to child transmission by up to half. However, the mothers should first ascertain whether they are HIV-positive so as to know which course of action to take.

Fifth, is the development of a vaccine to protect people not yet exposed to HIV. The government of developing countries have a part to play here by funding scientific researches so as to find a cure for HIV/AIDS and more importantly a vaccine against the disease.

Sixth, there is need to bar the discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Apart from putting up a legislation against this, people must be made to understand that HIV/AIDS cannot spread by bodily contact, coughing, sneezing or eating together. PLWHA should be taken proper care of, and the women among them should avoid getting pregnant to prevent perinatal transmission.

In conclusion, the part played by poverty in the spread of HIV/AIDS in developing countries cannot be overemphasized. Governments of developing countries must make useful effort towards improving the socio-economic condition of its citizens as this is the main difference that separates the developing countries from the developed. It is this difference that makes HIV/AIDS pandemic in developing countries. The scourge of HIV/AIDS will forever dog the footsteps of developing countries unless their governments make spirited efforts to reverse the trend as have been achieved in developed countries where the incidence of the disease was first recorded.