Do we have the will to stop AIDS?
The following is a Counterpoint column:
By Stacy L. Smith
As we passed World AIDS Day (Dec. 1), I am struck, as a longtime AIDS advocate, that we don't seem to be learning the lesson. The lesson as I see it lies in the prevention of the disease. The only cure for AIDS is going to be the prevention of it.
We need to start to address with our attention and resources the very important aspect of HIV prevention. HIV prevention is messy and might not be the type of activity that is talked about at high tea, but it is necessary and is the only way out of a full-blown HIV epidemic in this country (and county).
People who shoot drugs should get treatment and clean syringes. People who engage in sex should be told about prevention methods that reduce the spread of all STDs. And people who have HIV should know and not spread it, and people who do not have HIV should know it and not get it. Testing should be regular and without stigma.
Countries like South Africa, Malaysia and China are grappling with this epidemic with far fewer resources than here in the United States. The only thing missing here is the will. Do we understand this? We have the know-how, the expertise, the money, and the ready professional resources available in our public health and public welfare agencies. They are just looking for the leadership from the people. The only thing missing is the will.
Please get involved. Talk to someone, anyone, your Aunt Bertha or a national representative. Just have thoughtful dialogue and let your conscience guide you.
The writer is a family therapist and lives in Greensboro.
Comments (3)
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Your a 'long-time AIDS advocate'. Something there doesn't sound right.
Okay, I agree. It all has to do with will. But the 'will' comes from the people themselves. The majority of people who have AIDS made the wrong personal choices. Unprotected sex, using bad needles, etc.
I'm not condemning these folks. I think they deserve compassion.
But the idea that educating people about how to not get AIDS will work just doesn't hold water to me.
Seriously, who on earth is dumb enough to not know that you can get AIDS from unprotected sex or sharing dirty needles. I would say very few. They know what causes AIDS. They just don't think it will happen to them.
Posted on December 6, 2005 12:50 PM
From Nancy Reagan: "Just say no." Guess it's just too obvious.
Posted on December 6, 2005 1:04 PM
Yet, do we show compassion after the contraction of HIV? After HIV develops into full blown AIDS? That is a large question for thought.
I see the core context of Stacy Smith's Counterpoint being EDUCATION. We have to most definitely make sure that people do know the consequences of sharing needles, having unsafer sex, etc. Then the poor choice selection thought comes into play. Until then....I am afraid that we have to deal as best we can.
Shalom
Posted on December 6, 2005 2:57 PM