Sec 407 Zhang Yangfan 33
Using the case study of AIDS or malaria, assess the following statement:
“The government is solely responsible for the containment and surveillance of diseases and epidemics”.
AIDS, one of the epidemics, killed around 336,000 South Africans between mid-2005 and mid-2006. This essay aims to discuss whether the government is solely responsible for the containment and surveillance of diseases and epidemics, using the case study of AIDS in South Africa. The key terms of the above statement are “solely”, “containment”, “surveillance”, “epidemic” and “disease”. In this essay, solely means alone and without the involvement of other parties. Containment is defined as the act of keeping something dangerous within limits so that it cannot spread in a harmful way. Surveillance, in the context of this question, is keeping watch of the spreading of diseases. Epidemic refers to the widespread of a disease whereas disease is an illness. In one’s opinion, the government is not solely responsible for the containment and surveillance of diseases and epidemics, other factors such as citizens and non-governmental organizations should also play a part.
To begin with, one agrees to a certain extent that the government is greatly responsible for the containment and surveillance of diseases and epidemics because it is responsible for the people’s welfare, including the health of the people. It also has the authority to observe the whole situation and collaborate with hospitals to keep the disease under control. It has large amount of sums for the health sector for the citizens. Simply in Africa, R350 million is separated out for healthcare. With these advantages, the government should provide a baseline of support that takes care of the basic welfare of citizens, which includes controlling the spread of epidemics (AIDS) to ensure the people’s well-being. Moreover, healthcare is defined as the set of services provided by a country for the treatment of the physically and the mentally ill. Therefore, the government, as a representation of a country, is responsible to treat the ill. Furthermore, South Africa has one of the highest top marginal taw rates at 40%, of all middle-income countries. Health care in South Africa varies from basic health care to specialised hi-technology health services which are available in the private sector. The taxes paid by citizens are supposed to be used in the health sector, as such the government should be responsible for the containment and surveillance of disease and epidemic (AIDS). Therefore, the government has to be responsible as they have the authority, and citizens pay taxes to the government which is supposed to be part of health care.
However, except for government, other factors like citizens and non-governmental organizations should also put in effort for the containment and surveillance of diseases and epidemics. It is unwise to let the government undertake all the responsibility because solely depending on the government’s effort is insufficient. In the case of South Africa, the traditional practice of “dry sex” which is retained by 50% even in the cities causes South Africans to be more vulnerable to AIDS. With the help of strong governing leadership, the message on AIDS has been effectively passed on to a diverse population by the government. Furthermore, the African government encourages the public to undergo HIV testing so that people can accept treatment provision. Despite, it takes two hands to clap. The carrying out of the advices given depends on the citizens, thus cooperation of citizens with the government is vital. Only the government’s efforts alone will turn out ineffective and futile without the cooperation of the citizens. Ultimately, each and every individual citizen is responsible for their own health, as well as helping in the prevention of spreading of diseases.
To add on, there can be non-governmental organizations set up to aid the government in educating the citizens and implementing measures. One of such organizations is AVERT. It runs several projects to aid the government. For example, “The Soul City Project” educates people about AIDS through radio, print, and television, using dramas and soap operas to promote its message. The “Beyond Awareness” campaign informs young people about AIDS through the media. “loveLife” integrates HIV prevention messages into their culture, aims to reduce rates of teenage pregnancy, HIV and sexually transmitted infections amongst young South Africans. The campaign attempts to market sexual responsibility through the media. It also operates a network of telephone lines, clinics and youth centers that provide sexual health facilities, as well as an outreach service that travels to remote rural areas, to reach young people who are not in the educational system. With the aid of such organizations, the HIV prevention messages are more widely spread. In this way, these non-governmental organizations are contributing for the containment and surveillance of diseases and epidemics.
In conclusion, I disagree with the statement that the government is solely responsible for the containment and surveillance of diseases and epidemics. Not only is the government’s effort essential and important, but also the collaboration of the citizens and the contribution of the non-government organizations. Only with the help of strong governing leadership, the message on AIDS can be effectively passed on to a diverse population by the government. Being paid the tax, the government is also responsible for providing citizens with an accessible healthcare service. On top of that, every citizen should take care of himself and follow the advices given, in order to make the government’s plan effective and contribute for the containment and surveillance of diseases and epidemics. Additionally, the effort invested by the non-governmental organizations which aid the government in educating the citizens and implementing measures can accelerate the containment and surveillance of diseases and epidemics. Thus, it is not only the government who should be responsible, citizens and non-governmental organizations should also play a part.
