Education equals prevention
Dr. James Ochwa-Echel presents the history and many detriments of HIV and AIDS
Matt Young, Senior reporter
Issue date: 12/5/07 Section: News
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Keeping in mind that World AIDS Day is recognized every year on Dec. 1, Dr. James Ochwa-Echel presented what is called Culturally Competent HIV/AIDS Prevention Education on Friday, Nov. 30, where he covered how the virus originated, how it spreads and methods of protection.
Ochwa-Echel provided an expanded history of the virus including how it was first discovered in 1981 in the United States among homosexual men. He also described two versions of HIV: HIV-1 and HIV-2. The former is the more lethal of the two and is more common around the world whereas the latter is not as lethal (meaning one who contracts it has a longer life span than with HIV-1) and mostly confined to West Africa.
"If a person is not treated [with ARVs therapy], 80 percent of the people live up to 11 years," he said of HIV-1, however HIV-2 is slightly longer.
Ochwa-Echel first came to EWU in 2006 on a two-year contract to focus on the diversity initiatives set forth by the university. Apart from administrative duties that include setting up faculty workshops, he also teaches one course in HIV/AIDS and Development in Africa.
He said he's also looking to design some online courses.
As a native of Uganda, Ochwa-Echel first came to the United States to attend Boston University on a scholarship in 1991.
He received a Master's in International Studies there to add to his bachelor's degree in the same study from Schiller University in Germany. He later achieved a Ph.D. in Education and a Master's from Ohio University in International Development.
Despite age or perceived knowledge in a certain group of people like college students, Ochwa-Echel said that government leaders must play a role in spreading awareness and that education for this epidemic must be constantly exerted.
"We are talking about behavioral change so you need to keep on the message. It's not only a one-time deal," he said.
HIV, referred to as a "slow virus" by Ochwa-Echel, progresses through three stages of infection before potentially receiving an AIDS diagnosis.
Ochwa-Echel provided an expanded history of the virus including how it was first discovered in 1981 in the United States among homosexual men. He also described two versions of HIV: HIV-1 and HIV-2. The former is the more lethal of the two and is more common around the world whereas the latter is not as lethal (meaning one who contracts it has a longer life span than with HIV-1) and mostly confined to West Africa.
"If a person is not treated [with ARVs therapy], 80 percent of the people live up to 11 years," he said of HIV-1, however HIV-2 is slightly longer.
Ochwa-Echel first came to EWU in 2006 on a two-year contract to focus on the diversity initiatives set forth by the university. Apart from administrative duties that include setting up faculty workshops, he also teaches one course in HIV/AIDS and Development in Africa.
He said he's also looking to design some online courses.
As a native of Uganda, Ochwa-Echel first came to the United States to attend Boston University on a scholarship in 1991.
He received a Master's in International Studies there to add to his bachelor's degree in the same study from Schiller University in Germany. He later achieved a Ph.D. in Education and a Master's from Ohio University in International Development.
Despite age or perceived knowledge in a certain group of people like college students, Ochwa-Echel said that government leaders must play a role in spreading awareness and that education for this epidemic must be constantly exerted.
"We are talking about behavioral change so you need to keep on the message. It's not only a one-time deal," he said.
HIV, referred to as a "slow virus" by Ochwa-Echel, progresses through three stages of infection before potentially receiving an AIDS diagnosis.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Mr. EWU
posted 12/06/07 @ 6:17 PM PST
Excellent article and a very valid cause. Education really is the best form of prevention.
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