Good morning everyone! Did you know that Sunday, December 1st was World AIDS day? It is celebrated every year to draw attention to AIDS and issues surrounding it. The theme of this year’s celebration was ‘Shared responsibility: strengthening results for a HIV-free generation’. How can we make the next generation HIV free or reduce its impact in our own generation if we don’t join in the fight?

A significant number of people ‘hide their heads in the sand’ anytime HIV/AIDS is discussed. That way, it appears the gist doesn’t involve them and they know nothing about it. But we are all involved. If we are not infected, we are affected by knowing or being related to other people who have been infected with this.

How can you help? Stop the stigmatization? Would you make an HIV positive patient feel welcome in your home? Would you be openly associated with him? Would you employ him if you were an employer? Would you encourage other people to associate with him and call out anyone who discriminated against them?

Coming to you, have you been tested? How long ago was that? Have you engaged in risky behaviour (indiscriminate sex without condoms) since your last screening? Do you actively preach ABC: Abstaining from sex, if not married; Being faithful to one partner and using a condom, if engaging in risky sex (totally understanding that even this is not 100% safe).

Do you share the information on HIV/AIDS with young ones that you mentor or your children? Do you also raise awareness on the fact that blood transfusions, sharing sharp objects and touching body fluids with un-gloved hands could be dangerous? The latter is especially important information for children who may rush to help other children who are injured and try to clean off the blood themselves. We need to teach them to exercise caution in the presence of body fluids.

As we think about these questions, let’s remember that people living with HIV/AIDS are human beings like you and I, and just happen to have a longstanding ailment (just like hypertension) and who deserve love and understanding from all of us. Let’s also remember that we have a significant part to play in ensuring that the next generation is free from HIV/AIDS. The Government has a huge role to play, but we can get even more done by starting from our backyards!

Please comment and let me know how you would answer any or all of the questions above.

 

Here’s to a healthier you!