NAME: OKECHUKWU RAPHAEL NNAMDI

REG NO: 2017654119

COURSE CODE: PMB 581

DATE: 27-03-2023

TOPIC: CHANGES THAT CAN BE MADE TO THE ETHICS OF PHARMACY PRACTICE IN THE TYPICAL NIGRERIAN SOCIETY IN ORDER TO IMPROVE
PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF HIV MANAGEMENT WITH REGARDS TO DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT AND PREVENTION.

INTRODUCTION

When one is tested positive for HIV, one can think that the whole world has ended and that there is no hope for the future, whilst others see it as
stepping stone to a better life. It is true that with the correct care and support, living with HIV can be made easier. However without this, the results can
be catastrophic. One of the reasons for this is that emotional and mental stress experienced by people living with HIV (PLWHIV) can cause different kinds
of psychological problems. HIV/AIDS imposes a significant psychological burden. PLHIV often suffer from depression and anxiety as they adjust to the
impact of the HIV diagnosis and face the difficulties of living with a chronic illness.

SUGGESTION

Reflecting on statements mentioned above, it can be argued that the psychological impact of HIV arise mostly from a lack of support, care, knowledge
and acknowledgment from family, friends and healthcare workers. Family and peer group support is very important because not only does it provide
mental, economic and social stability to the PLHIV, it also decreases the stresses faced by them. Thus, it is recommended that countries around the globe
should engage in policies that accommodate the social, economic needs of people living with HIV/AIDS. Involving more vulnerable communities is also
important and this can be done through awareness campaigns that educate people on the psychological impact of HIV. There is also a need for schools
that train healthcare workers who are specialists in psychological support of HIV patients as well as a need for facilities that can be utilised by any patient
regardless of the illness for psychological support. Further, NGOs have play a big role in the overall health of patients living with HIV/AIDS. They form a
bridge between government health services and PLHIV and also provide counselling and support to them. A person living with HIV needs support from
the family members, friends and HCWs in order for him or her to overcome the psychological impact of HIV/AIDS. The support from these different
groups of people will assist in being able to understand his or her HIV status, and also assist in enabling the PLHIV to adhere well to medication and
accepting their HIV status. Due to this, it is recommended that more NGOs who are mostly active in the eradication of HIV/AIDS also engage in the
psychological support and mental health of PLHIV.Seminars and workshop should be conducted by pharmacists, where they will educate the public on
the various preventive measures such as the use of condom, maintaining one sex partner, risk in homosexual men and the implication of some cultural
practices such as wife hospitality.

Pharmacist should encourage periodic HIV tests, at least every three months, especially for those who have more than one sexual partners. Apparatus for
rapid diagnostic test should be made available, and at an affordable cost to patients, in the pharmacy.

REFERENCES

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