Progress Report

GED172 – People and the Earth’s Ecosystem

Group 2
Environmental Dimensions of HIV/AIDS and Food Security

Leader
Macabinquil, Meliza F.

Members
Bogar, Jhay Ann
Cardiño, Wilson
Castillo, Thea
Diaz, Luis
Elarmo, Angelo Symon
Galleon, Owel
Geronimo, Kevin
Gonzales, Jasmine
Holgado, Midori
Indemne, Dante

Professor
Bartolome, Allan G.

April 27, 2024

 Abstract

Topics / Reporter Reference

Subtopics

Meaning of Indemne, Dante Hiv.gov, ( 2023, July 13 ). HIV Testing Day, What
HIV/AIDS Elarmo, Angelo Symon Are HIV and AIDS?. Retrieved from
https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/overview/about-
hiv-and-aids/what-are-hiv-and-aids

Who, ( 2023, July 13 ). HIV and AIDS, Signs and

symptoms. Retrieved from
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-
sheets/detail/hiv-aids

Affects: Mindmesh, glossary. What is Productivity Loss.

(1) Loss of Indemne, Dante Retrieved from.
productive Bogar, Jhay Ann https://www.mindmesh.com/glossary/what-is-
generations productivity-loss

Somavia, Juan, ( 2005 ). Director General of the

ILO, Statement for World AIDS Day. HIV/AIDS
and the Workplace. Retrieved from.
https://www.ilo.org/regions-and-
countries/americas/ilo-caribbean/areas-work/social-
protection/hivaids-and-workplace

(2) Shortage Geronimo, Kevin Mr. Andrew Nelson (2022, August 17). Labor
of labor Diaz, Luis Shortage Strain: Where Have All the Workers
 Gone. Volume 46, Number 8. Retrieved from
https://cre.org/real-estate-issues/labor-shortage-
strain-where-have-all-the-workers-gone/

(3) Loss of Macabinquil, Meliza F. L. M. Hunter, R.-M. De Souza, and W. Twine

agricultural Elarmo, Angelo Symon (2009). The environmental dimensions of the
skills and C. HIV/AIDS pandemic: a call for scholarship and
knowledge evidence-based intervention. Retrieved from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC27
05167/

(4) Decreasing Gonzales, Jasmine Open. Edu (2024 , April 27). Nutrition Module: 12.
nutritional Holgado, Midori Nutrition and HIV. Retrieved from
status https://www.open.edu/openlearncreate/mod/oucont
ent/view.php?id=325&printable=1

Namibian Institute for Democracy (NID). (2001).

(5) Weakening Bogar, Jhay Ann AIDS & governance in Namibia.
institutiona Galleon, Owel https://www.nid.org.na/publications/aids-
l capacity governance

UNWOMEN, ( 2022, June 22 ). Report: The

(6) Exacerbati Castillo, Thea COVID-19 crisis continues to exacerbate gender
on Of Geronimo, Kevin inequalities. Retreived from.
Gender https://asiapacific.unwomen.org/en/stories/press-
Inequalitie release/2022/06/the-covid-19-crisis-continues-to-
s exacerbate-gender-inequalities

UNWOMEN, ( 2022, June 22 ). Report: The

COVID-19 crisis continues to exacerbate gender
inequalities. Retrieved from.
 https://asiapacific.unwomen.org/en/stories/press-
release/2022/06/the-covid-19-crisis-continues-to-
exacerbate-gender-inequalities

How to avoid? / Cardiño, Wilson The Basics of HIV Prevention | NIH. (n.d.).
How To Be Safe https://hivinfo.nih.gov/understanding-hiv/fact-
From HIV/AIDS sheets/basics-hiv-prevention

What Is HIV?
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks cells that help the body fight
infection, making a person more vulnerable to other infections and diseases. It is spread by contact
with certain bodily fluids of a person with HIV, most commonly during unprotected sex (sex
without a condom or HIV medicine to prevent or treat HIV), or through sharing injection drug
equipment.

What Is AIDS?
AIDS is the late stage of HIV infection that occurs when the body’s immune system is
badly damaged because of the virus.

Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of HIV vary depending on the stage of infection.
● fever
● headache
● rash
● sore throat.

The infection progressively weakens the immune system. This can cause other signs and
symptoms:
● swollen lymph nodes
 ● weight loss
● fever
● diarrhea
● cough.

Transmission
HIV can be transmitted via the exchange of a variety of body fluids from people living
with HIV, such as blood, breast milk, semen and vaginal secretions. HIV can also be transmitted
during pregnancy and delivery to the child.

Risk factors
Behaviors and conditions that put people at greater risk of contracting HIV include:

Having condom less anal or vaginal sex;

• Having another sexually transmitted infection (STI) such as syphilis, herpes, chlamydia,
gonorrhea and bacterial vaginosis;
• engaging in harmful use of alcohol and drugs in the context of sexual behavior;
• sharing contaminated needles, syringes and other injecting equipment and drug solutions
when injecting drugs;
• receiving unsafe injections, blood transfusions and tissue transplantation, and medical
procedures that involve unsterile cutting or piercing; and
• experiencing accidental needle stick injuries, including among health workers.

Diagnosis
HIV can be diagnosed through rapid diagnostic tests that provide same-day results. This
greatly facilitates early diagnosis and linkage with treatment and prevention. People can also use
HIV self-tests to test themselves.

Prevention
HIV is a preventable disease.
Reduce the risk of HIV infection by:
Using a male or female condom during sex
being tested for HIV and sexually transmitted infections
having a voluntary medical male circumcision
using harm reduction services for people who inject and use drugs.

Treatment
There is no cure for HIV infection. It is treated with antiretroviral drugs, which stop the
virus from replicating in the body. Current antiretroviral therapy (ART) does not cure HIV
infection but allows a person’s immune system to get stronger. This helps them to fight other
infections.

AFFECTS
The epidemic affects agriculture and food security in various ways, including the loss of
productive generations, shortage of labor, loss of agricultural skills and knowledge, decreasing
nutritional status, weakening institutional capacity, and exacerbation of gender inequalities.

1. LOSS OF PRODUCTIVE GENERATIONS

HIV/AIDS results in increased costs to the employer and decreased productivity through
the loss of skilled and experienced workers and consequential recruitment and training of new
employees, through increased demand on the company’s medical system and through absenteeism
of both ill workers and affected relatives and friends.
Productivity loss is a measure of the resources lost when employees work at suboptimal
levels or are absent from work. Also referred to as 'lost time,’ productivity loss has a negative
impact on a business, both in terms of financial costs and in terms of the morale of the workforce.
Taking steps to address the issue improves business efficiency and reduces employee turnover.

• Health Impact
• Economic Factor
• Human Capital
How is productivity loss measured?
• 1 Time based
• 2 Output based
• 3 Quality based measures
• 5 Cost base measures

2. SHORTAGE OF LABOR
The labor shortage is a term that indicates a gap between the labor needed in industry and
the number of workers available to fill in the requirement. Simply put, there are more jobs available
than the workers. It can be because workers are less willing to work in a position or a scarcity of
skilled labor.

1. Poor compensation
This reason is easiest to anticipate. Workers want to be paid more, at least what they are
worth. Industries like construction, mining, healthcare, and manufacturing especially face labor
shortages as the pay is less than in other sectors.

2. Lack of flexibility
Since the pandemic, employees have been more discerning of opportunities that allow them
to have a better work-life balance. Workers now seek increased flexibility, but employers remain
reluctant to offer the same.

3. A question of purpose
For many employers, it may seem inconsequential, but workers are increasingly losing
their sense of purpose at work. Employees who are not connected to their workplace cannot be
passionate about their jobs. It eventually forces them to leave work.

8 Ways to deal with the labor shortage

1. Train and cross-train existing employees
2. Improve the work environment to reduce employees leaving the organization
 3. Recognize and reward employees
4. Make opportunities for them to develop and grow
5. Automate tasks
6. Pay bounties to employees who bring new employees
7. Be flexible with schedules
8. Use time tracking tools

3. LOSS OF AGRICULTURAL SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

A productive generation is lost as a result of HIV/AIDS, including those who possess
critical agricultural knowledge and abilities. This loss of expertise and understanding has the
potential to impair farming systems and lower agricultural output. Additionally, because younger
generations might not have access to the skills needed to manage the epidemic's effects, it hinders
the transfer of agricultural knowledge across generations.
The global HIV/AIDS pandemic has significantly impacted the demographic patterns of
numerous less economically developed places across the world. An estimated 33 million people
worldwide are estimated to be living with HIV. According to recent data, over 6800 new cases of
HIV infection and over 5700 cases of AIDS deaths occur each day.

4. DECREASING NUTRITIONAL STATUS

The effects of HIV on nutrition

People living with HIV infection have a higher chance of developing undernutrition than those
who are not infected. HIV affects the nutritional status of these people in different ways. The
effects of HIV may occur at different times during the course of their illness.

The following are typical adverse effects of HIV infection which may affect the person’s
nutritional status:
• Reducing food consumption because of appetite loss or anorexia
• Nausea
• Oral thrush
• Constipation
 • Bloating or heartburn.

Nutritional care of people living with HIV

As a Health Extension Worker, you are expected to give care to PLHIV. Nutritional care
is one of the most important ways that you can look after someone who has an HIV infection and
help them to maintain their health. You will be able to give nutritional care both at health post
level and during home-based care. You learned the procedures for assessing the nutritional status
of PLHIV in Study Session 5 and how to manage the nutritional problems you identified in Study
Session 9. You are now going to learn about the types of care that you can provide to a PLHIV.
12.3.1 Nutritional care of HIV-positive adults and adolescents
Your work in the community will almost certainly bring you into contact with people living
with HIV. This gives you the opportunity to help them maintain their health for as long as possible.
For this reason you should make sure that they are weighed on a regular basis. You may have to
speak to them in detail about the need for them to attend for weighing on a regular basis; you can
explain that it will enable you to monitor their health and provide them with good advice.

The effects of HIV on nutrition

People living with HIV infection have a higher chance of developing undernutrition than
those who are not infected. HIV affects the nutritional status of these people in different ways. The
effects of HIV may occur at different times during the course of their illness.
The following are typical adverse effects of HIV infection which may affect the person’s
nutritional status:
• Reducing food consumption because of appetite loss or anorexia
• Nausea
• Oral thrush
• Constipation
• Bloating or heartburn.

The decreasing nutrition status refers to a decline in the overall health and wellbeing of an
individual due to insufficient intake of essential nutrients. This can lead to various health problems
such as weight loss, weakness, fatigue, and compromised immune function. It is important to
address and improve this issue by consuming a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins,
and other nutrients necessary for optimal health. Consulting with a healthcare professional or
registered dietitian can help in creating a personalized nutrition plan to improve nutrition status.

1. Nutrition and infection - Poor nutrition increases the body’s vulnerability to infections,
and infections in their turn make poor nutrition even worse. Inadequate dietary intake
lowers immune system functioning and reduces the body’s ability to fight infections. Poor
nutrition is therefore likely to increase the incidence, severity and length of infections.

Synonyms
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea and fever
• Poor nutrient absorption
• Nutrient loss and altered metabolism
• Weight loss

2. HIV & Nutrition - HIV infection progressively destroys the immune system, leading to
recurrent opportunist infections (OIs), debilitation and death. OIs are infections that take
advantage of a weak immune system. Poor nutritional status is one of the major
complications of HIV and a significant factor that might lead people to develop full-
blown AIDS.

3. Nutritional care of people living with HIV

A. Nutritional care of HIV-positive adults and adolescents- monitoring their weight regularly,
eating enough healthy food etc.
B. Nutritional care of HIV-positive pregnant and lactating women-most infants who are
exclusively breastfed by HIV-positive mothers do not become infected with HIV.

5. WEAKENING INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY

HIV/AIDS significantly weakens institutional capacity by depleting human resources.
This occurs in two way HIV/AIDS: increased mortality among experienced staff and absenteeism
due to illness. This loss of manpower, both skilled and experienced, disrupts workflows, reduces
efficiency, and leads to a decline in institutional knowledge that's hard to replace. The financial
burden of covering these gaps further strains resources.
• HIV/AIDS can weaken institutional capacity in several ways:
1. Healthcare system
2. Human resources
3. Economic impact
4. Social services
5. Policy and governance

6. EXACERBATION OF GENDER INEQUALITIES

• Economic Disparities: Women often face wage gaps, limited access to resources, and job
segregation, which are exacerbated during times of economic crisis or instability.

➢ Wage gaps
➢ Limited Access to Resources
➢ Job Segregation

● Domestic Burden: During crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, women tend to bear
the brunt of increased caregiving responsibilities, further perpetuating traditional gender
roles and limiting their participation in the workforce

➢ Increased Caregiving Responsibilities

➢ Perpetuation of Traditional Gender Roles
➢ Limitation of Workforce Participation

● Healthcare Access: Women may face barriers to accessing healthcare, including

reproductive health services, particularly in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure
or during health emergencies.
 ➢ Barriers to Healthcare Access
➢ Reproductive Health Services
➢ Limited Healthcare Infrastructure
➢ Health Emergencies

● Education Disruptions: Girls' education may be disproportionately affected during crises

due to school closures, lack of access to online learning resources, and increased risk of
dropping out to support their families.

➢ School Closures
➢ Lack of Access to Online Learning Resources
➢ Increased Risk of Dropping Out
➢ Supporting their Families

● Violence Against Women: Instances of gender-based violence often escalate during

crises, with women and girls facing heightened risks of domestic violence, sexual
exploitation, and trafficking.

● Political Participation: Women's participation in decision-making processes and political

leadership roles may be further marginalized during times of crisis, limiting their ability to
advocate for gender-inclusive policies and reforms

● Digital Gender Divide: Disparities in digital access and literacy can exacerbate existing
gender inequalities, as women are often less likely to have access to technology and digital
skills compared to men.

● Cultural and Social Norms: Deep-rooted gender norms and stereotypes may become
more entrenched during times of crisis, further constraining women's autonomy, mobility,
and opportunities for advancement.
HOW TO AVOID? / HOW TO BE SAFE FROM HIV/AIDS
● Use barrier method during sex
● Choose your sexual partners wisely
● Consider intimate activities that don't involve exchange of bodily fluids
● Test yourself regularly for HIV and other STIs
● Avoid misusing drugs and alcohol
● Take medications that protects you from HIV
● Don't share needles
● Use sterilized needles

References:
Hiv.gov, ( 2023, July 13 ). HIV Testing Day, What Are HIV and AIDS?. Retrieved from.
https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/overview/about-hiv-and-aids/what-are-hiv-and-aids
L. M. Hunter, R.-M. De Souza, and W. Twine (2009). The environmental dimensions of the
HIV/AIDS pandemic: a call for scholarship and evidence-based intervention. Retrieved from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2705167/
Mindmesh, glossary. What is Productivity Loss. Retrieved from.
https://www.mindmesh.com/glossary/what-is-productivity-loss
Mr. Andrew Nelson (2022, August 17). Labor Shortage Strain: Where Have All the Workers Gone.
Volume 46, Number 8. Retrieved from https://cre.org/real-estate-issues/labor-shortage-strain-
where-have-all-the-workers-gone/
Namibian Institute for Democracy (NID). (2001). AIDS & governance in Namibia.
https://www.nid.org.na/publications/aids-governance
Open. Edu (2024 , April 27). Nutrition Module: 12. Nutrition and HIV. Retrieved from
https://www.open.edu/openlearncreate/mod/oucontent/view.php?id=325&printable=1
Somavia, Juan, ( 2005 ). Director General of the ILO, Statement for World AIDS Day. HIV/AIDS
and the Workplace. Retrieved from https://www.ilo.org/regions-and-countries/americas/ilo-
caribbean/areas-work/social-protection/hivaids-and-workplace
The Basics of HIV Prevention | NIH. (n.d.). https://hivinfo.nih.gov/understanding-hiv/fact-
sheets/basics-hiv-prevention
UNWOMEN, ( 2022, June 22 ). Report: The COVID-19 crisis continues to exacerbate gender
inequalities. Retrieved from https://asiapacific.unwomen.org/en/stories/press-
release/2022/06/the-covid-19-crisis-continues-to-exacerbate-gender-inequalities
Who, ( 2023, July 13 ). HIV and AIDS, Signs and symptoms. Retrieved from.
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hiv-aids