Does anybody read these?

World AIDS Day

Today is World AIDS Day. AIDS has become manageable, although at this point it's still not curable. I remember the craziness and misconception that prevailed in the 80s when we knew little about it. I remember the stereotypes and hysteria. It was almost a modern-day witch hunt to some extent.

I think that in this day and age most of us are a lot smarter about AIDS and HIV (the virus that causes it). I was smart back then (I was a Red Cross peer educator), but I'm smarter now. But I think that in some ways, the improvements in perception, care and treatment for this disease hurt us. I think we've gotten comfortable. I think that because AIDS seems a lot more manageable and a lot less deadly that folks are forgetting that it's important to not engage in risky behaviors. I am constantly amazed by folks who seem to be pretty intelligent who cut corners when it comes to safe sex or don't ask the questions they need to be asking before they sleep with someone. I think that because folks with HIV don't always look like they have AIDS that people put themselves in dangerous situations without realizing it.

The reality is that AIDS is still a death sentence, even though treatment has significantly improved odds and lifespans. Mothers can still give HIV to their unborn babies, making unprotected sex doubly dangerous. In many parts of the world, AIDS has reached epedemic proportions and we need to get folks the resources and education to arrest the spreading of the disease. You can't always tell if someone has HIV, so we all have to do our part to be safe. If you can't ask hard questions, you probably shouldn't be having sex.

So, on this day, and always, be safe. Do your part to keep the world a safe place. Say a prayer for all those worldwide who are infected with this disease. Challenge our world leaders to deal with this health crisis (including our Church leaders). I'm not going to go on a political rant, but I know as a former Red Cross peer educator that education is the ONLY way to prevent HIV infection. Let's arm folks with the tools they need to be healthy. After all, we'd make sure a diabetic had insulin, right?

posted by Laura at 3:07 PM