Mapping HIV infection in Africa

Using statistical information and maps, students will note the correlation between socio-economic factors and the impact of HIV/AIDS in the countries of Africa.

A lesson plan for grades 9–12 Social Studies

By Greg Mitchell

Provided by Kenan Fellows Program

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Related topics

• Learn more about AIDS, Africa, HIV, biology, diseases, maps, and science.

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Summary of activities

Learning outcomes

Students will:

• Gain familiarity with the continent of Africa
• Research the effect of AIDS on different countries within the continent
• Analyze key sociological characteristics and consider how those characteristics can affect the prevention of HIV infection from a public health perspective

Teacher planning

Time required for the lesson

This activity will take approximately 60 minutes during class time or for homework.

Materials/Resources

• Political Maps of Africa (3 maps per student)
• Colored pencils
• Discussion questions handout: Africa Discussion Questions
• Access to the Internet

Activities

Students research and consider the following:

• The impact and prevalence of HIV in Africa (especially sub-Saharan)
• The socioeconomics of sub-Saharan Africa and its relationship with HIV incidence
• The effect that illiteracy may have on HIV transmission
• The effect that religion may have on HIV transmission
• Countries in Africa that have been effectively fighting the HIV pandemic

1. Students will receive 3 maps of the continent of Africa with countries delineated. They will then color or shade the following countries in Africa to show the percent of men and women infected with HIV/AIDS: South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Botswana, Sudan, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, and Nigeria.
   • Each color/shade should represent one of the following groups:
     • 0–1%
     • 1–10%
     • 11–20%
     • 21–30%
     • 31–40%
     • 40%+
   • Students can find the information on infection rates at Avert’s Sub-Saharan Africa HIV
2. Color or shade the following countries in Africa to show the per capita income (how much money each person makes in a year): South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Botswana, Sudan, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, and Nigeria.
   • Each color/shade should represent one of the following groups:
     • $0-500
     • $501-1000
     • $1001-1500
     • $1501-2000
     • $2001-2500
     • $2501-3000
     • $3000+
   • Students can find the information on per capita income at finfacts.com and DoingBusiness.org
3. Color or shade the following countries in Africa to show the illiteracy rate of each country: South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Botswana, Sudan, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, and Nigeria. ***To get the illiteracy rate from the literacy rate, subtract the literacy rate from 100%.
   • Each color/shade should represent one of the following groups:
     • 0-10% illiterate
     • 10-30% illiterate
     • 30-50% illiterate
     • 50%+ illiterate
   • Students can find literacy information at infoplease.com
4. Have students answer the discussion questions on the handout.

After completing the maps, students should answer the discussion questions in the handout.

Assessment

Students will be assessed on the completion of their three maps and answers on the discussion questions.