UN Plan to End AIDS by 2030

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Materials Daily News

Intermediate

Exercise 1

Vocabulary

destructive

Adjective

dɪˈstrʌktɪv

causing great damage

The island is home to one of the most destructive volcanoes in the world.

pandemic

Noun

pænˈdemɪk

(of a disease) prevalent over a large area

The flu pandemic is likely to spread across the country over the next few weeks.

extraordinarily

Adverb

ɪkˌstrɔːrdəˈnerəli

extremely; surprisingly

The questions in the exam were extraordinarily difficult.

effective

Adjective

ɪˈfɛktɪv

producing a result that is wanted or needed

This medicine is an effective cure for stomach problems.

The police have adopted effective ways of stopping illegal parking.

Effective project management is essential to the success of a company.

Building infrastructure may be effective for economic recovery.

Teachers in this school use effective teaching methods.

There are many strategies used to stimulate an economy, some more effective than others.

I don't think this medicine is effective. It doesn't make the pain go away.

If you want to improve your English, you should think of more effective learning methods.

lack

Verb

læk

to be without or to not have enough of something

He wants to work, but he lacks experience.

He lacks confidence when speaking to a large crowd.

Our company currently lacks the resources to pursue larger clients.

Many people living in poverty lack clean water.

She lacks confidence in herself.

Exercise 2

Article

AI Generated Audio––:–– / ––:––

UN Plan to End AIDS by 2030

Since 1984, approximately 35 million people have died from HIV and AIDS-related diseases. This number makes "it one of the most destructive pandemics in history," according to the World AIDS Day website.

The UN's goal is to end the AIDS pandemic by 2030.

American Anthony Fauci has been working in the fight against AIDS since the 1980's. He says that we have "the ability to end the pandemic as we know it."

"What I mean is that we have extraordinarily effective drugs,“ Fauci says.

However, sixteen million people infected with HIV are not getting treatment. Many in this group do not know they have the disease, so they continue to spread the virus. Some of them are lacking in healthcare, so they don't get tested.

Even with the tools we have, Fauci does not see an end to the AIDS pandemic without an HIV vaccine.

Several years ago, researchers tested an experimental AIDS vaccine in Thailand. That vaccine was 31 percent effective.

Fauci says that even a vaccine with 50 or 60 percent effectiveness combined with other measures could “end the epidemic as we know it.“

Another vaccine trial is taking place in South Africa. The results will not be available until 2019 at the earliest, and there is no way of telling if that vaccine will be good enough to help end AIDS.

Both Fauci and UNAIDS say ending AIDS is up to the world community – and how much effort and money it is willing to use toward the goal.

Exercise 3

Questions

How many people have died from HIV and AIDS-related diseases since 1984?

How effective was the AIDS vaccine that was tested in Thailand?

What does Anthony Fauci believe could "end the epidemic as we know it"?

Exercise 4

Discussion

Do you think that the UN's goal to "end the AIDS pandemic by 2030" is realistic? Why? Why not?

Do you find it surprising that approximately 35 million people have died from HIV and AIDS-related diseases since 1984?

In your opinion, would it be possible to end the AIDS pandemic without an effective HIV vaccine? Why? Why not?

Would you agree that ending AIDS is "up to the world community"? Why? Why not?

Do you think that an effective HIV vaccine will be developed in the foreseeable future? Why do you think so?

Exercise 5

Further Discussion

Is HIV/AIDS a major health issue in your country? Why do you think this is the case?

Do you have any doubts about the benefits of vaccines? Please explain your answer.

In your opinion, should vaccinations be made compulsory? Why? Why not?

Do you get regular health check-ups? Why? Why not?

Are you generally satisfied with the healthcare system in your country? Why? Why not?

Exercises for Further Self-Study

These self-study exercises are optional and should be carried out after the lesson has finished.

Exercise 6

Sentence Building

Write at least one sentence for each of the words in Exercise 1: Vocabulary. Begin by making sure you understand the definition of each word. Use the example sentences as a guide if you are unable to think of a sentence. Practice reading your sentences out loud.

Exercise 7

Summary

Make a brief summary of the article. Focus on the main topic and consider which pieces of information are most important. Make sure you include details such as what the article is about, who is mentioned in it, where and when the events took place, and also how and why they happened.

Parts of this lesson are based on:

An article by Voice of America.