Coming to terms with HIV/AIDS in Arumeru: A community-based approach to HIV/AIDS prevention and care in Tanzania Case Study Teacher's Notes Student Activities What environmental (ie. social/cultural, economic, political, geographic etc) factors might contribute to the high incidence of HIV/AIDS in Tanzania? (An atlas map of Tanzania might be helpful). Why do you think the disease appeared first in urban areas and in communities along the main highways? Investigate how HIV/AIDS affects individuals at different stages of their lifespan - from ante-natal to old age. Consider some of the consequences for the Tanzanian Government of having 1.4 million children and adults living with HIV/AIDS. Compare the methods of providing information and education in Arumeru with methods that have been used in your community concerning HIV/AIDS. Suggest reasons for the similarities and differences. How might the strategies adopted in this project contribute to improved health and development across a life span? Which social and cultural factors had to be considered? What other strategies relating to HIV/AIDS might be emphasised in an Australian community? This program has relied heavily on community volunteers, some of whom have spent up to one day per week on project activities. What are the strengths and weaknesses of this approach to a public health issue? Countries such as Tanzania (annual income per person US $210 [$A350] per year, 1997) have limited resources to provide health services. In 1996-97, Tanzania spent nine times more on repaying its debt than on basic health [State of the World's Children 2000, p 38]. From your wider reading, suggest priority areas for basic health spending in developing countries. How important do you think HIV/AIDS awareness is, compared with the other priorities? Working in small groups, discuss what might be the consequences of failing to control the spread of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, for Tanzania OR for the world community. Present your responses on a futures wheel: On the centre of a large sheet of paper draw the hub of the wheel, with the words., "HIV/AIDS epidemic continues to spread". Show the immediate possible consequences on circle linked to the hub - eg  more adults unable to work      more children orphaned Then add further consequences on an outer ring, linked to the inner ring eg  reduced food production      grandparents caring for children Debate the following statement: "International aid agencies should not concern themselves with HIV/AIDS, which is essentially an illness linked to personal behaviour and cultural practices."   Top © Commonwealth of Australia