Vulnerability to Disease - Essay Example

Death and Dying Questions al Affiliation Societal Responses In the society, groups and individuals who are viewed to be vulnerable to a particular disease end up being stigmatized. The kind of response that the society will have on these groups and individuals tends to devalue the victims. The response is developed when the society views the group to consist of people with attributes and characteristics that are devalued in a given social context. The views are based on the assumption that such people are different from the rest. The kind of societal responses portrayed can be invisible, visible, uncontrollable or controllable. Sontag (1991) states that societal responses depend on social contexts rather than on the individual member of the society. The negative perceptions form the basis for excluding the targeted group from different social functions and contexts. Others go ahead to avoid being associated with the victims of the stigmatization. Societal responses and views are predominantly expressed and shown through negative beliefs and attitudes towards this particular group. The society tends to compare the targeted individuals and groups with those who are not affected by the disease. It leads to the development of a given perception and view on the vulnerable, oppressed and stigmatized group will be manifested in the form of patronizing behavior that will directly or indirectly dictate how the group will interact with the rest of the society. In some instances, it communicates unsubstantiated opinions, ideas and views on the targeted group. There are various aspects within the society that will directly or indirectly shape the view that will be associated with the targeted individuals and groups. One of the major issues that has been identified is the prevailing cultural practices and beliefs. Tadele & ‎ Kloos (2013) remarks that such cases are witnessed in societies where a given illness is associated with a given unacceptable behaviour. A very good example is the STDs that are viewed by most members of the society to come as a result of irresponsible sexual activities. When a group of individuals suffer from the disease, it will be generally held that such people have gone against moral codes. Tadele & ‎ Kloos (2013) note that such kinds of assumptions may have a negative impact on the health and wellbeing of the targeted individuals. The other issue that will influence the reaction that the society will have on a targeted group is the past experience that members of the society have had with a particular illness. When people and the society in general have a negative experience with regards to a given disease, they will in one way or the other associate the experience with the targeted groups. The developed opinion and beliefs tend to link the victims to the negative aspects of the disease. In the long run, victimization and stigmatization creeps in. In situations where the society is more informed and receptive of a given disease, it will also be seen in the way they view and take those who may be suffering from that particular illness and those who have been identified to be vulnerable people. Tadele, & ‎ Kloos (2013) gives an example of the AIDS. Initially, the society stigmatized those who were suffering from the illness. This has, however, changed due to increased awareness on the condition. The victims are now accepted in the society with the level of victimization being at an all-time low. The social, Cultural and Political Responses to AIDS The social, political and cultural responses to AIDS are generally influenced by three major elements. They include new available knowledge in the condition, available treatment and prevention options, the efficiency of prevention and treatment approaches. Over the years, lack of knowledge generally influenced how the society view AIDS and how the victims were treated. It is a trend that has changed with increased generation and use of knowledge in different aspects of the society. Currently, knowledge driven approaches to AIDS management and treatment are being used in different care settings. The culture of knowledge is characterized by increased investment in the gathering and use of demographic, social and epidemiological information at different levels. This has allowed for proper targeting and use of resources thus ensuring improved long term outcomes. At the societal level, people are being encouraged to know their HIV status with those having the virus being provided with treatment options that will ensure that they survive its deadly effects. According to Sontag (1991), knowing one’s status is primarily the first step in dealing with the disease. The society is now aware of the different prevention services and approaches that are available for the people who are at risk of contracting the disease and those who already have the virus. Such initiatives have contributed to the reduced cases of stigmatization. Governments in different countries have also responded to the growing menace of AIDS in different ways. Nations have developed comprehensive prevention initiatives that are led by the highest government officials. These initiatives are meant to create awareness, mobilize and avail resources and to mitigate the spread of the disease. Government led initiatives like the provision of ARVs, prevention of mother to child transmission, supply of condoms and counseling have played a very big role in dealing with the negative impacts of the disease. In the Sub-Saharan Africa where the prevalence rates are high, governments have put a lot of attention on the vulnerable members of the society. Efforts to educate the general society on the causative mechanism and the associated risk factors are always led by the political class in such countries with the other non-governmental entities playing a supportive role. Sontag (1991) adds that without funding from the government, dealing with the problem of HIV / AIDS can be a daunting task. Governments have allocated revenue and other required resources to fight the disease and come up with the most effective treatment plans for the citizens. Generally, a lot of changes have been witnessed at different level when it comes to the AIDS problems. Individuals, the society and the government have played key roles in ensuring that the negative effects of the disease are mitigated. References Sontag, S. (1991). Illness as Metaphor: AIDS and its Metaphors. London: Penguin Books. Tadele, G., & ‎ Kloos, H. (2013). Vulnerabilities, Impacts, and Responses to HIV/AIDS in Sub- Saharan Africa. London: Palgrave Macmillan. Read More