2022 IB Diploma Extended Essays

increase the probability of contracting other infections that can compromise the immune system. Therefore, a weakened immune system increases the probability of the contraction of HIV. Overall, such cycle can continue for further generations without outside intervention.

3. HIV Treatment and Prevention Australia has one of the best healthcare systems in the world as it makes sure to provide all its citizens with affordable and accessible health benefits through Medicare. Medicare has been Australia’s top universal health care system that covers all medical related costs, such as HIV necessary inspection practices such as blood tests (AGDH, 2019). In contrast, South Africa does not have a universal healthcare system like Australia but has a private and public system. 80% of the South African population use the public healthcare system which is significantly underfunded compared to Australia (Cronin, 2022). Additionally, Botswana does have a universal healthcare system but the limitations of healthcare in Botswana arise from economic issues to extreme extents, such as lack of adequate funding, leading to under-staffed and under-resourced hospitals. The majority of health care facilities are found in Botswana’s capital of Gaborone which caters to approximately 8.86% of the population (expatarrivals, 2022). All Australians have access to HIV treatment and medications such as antiretrovirals for free. They reduce the level of HIV in the body and prevent it from causing harm to the immune system and developing AIDS. Antiretrovirals can be prescribed at local or hospital pharmacies for free. HIV screening and testing in Australia is free and can detect HIV as early as 2 to 4 weeks after infection (betterhealth, 2012). In addition,

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