In an ironic twist of fate, the meaning behind the word ‘AIDS’ underwent dramatic changes ever since the identification of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in 1983. While the origin of HIV in humans is believed to have resulted from cross-species transfer of a simian immunodeficiency virus from the chimpanzee in central Africa, there are conspiracy theories abound surrounding the nature of its cause. There are suggestions that HIV spread to humans from contaminated polio vaccines in Africa; further fuelling notions of Western involvement. Realities nevertheless indicate that changing social mores, urbanization and values have provided conditions necessary for the emergence of HIV as a pandemic.
Today’s generation is sitting on a virus with catastrophic consequences of global dimensions. Governments, Nations and Peoples are compelled to jointly work to find answers on how to address the virus and its impact on people and society. What makes HIV a threat to human survival is not just the fact that there has been very limited advances towards finding a cure; but importantly, the greater danger is its subtle “modes of transmission.” The modes of transmission clearly indicate that HIV cannot be perceived simply as an issue of health; it poses a more complex set of human issues and questions.
Six years after HIV was identified, the first Naga HIV patient was officially detected in 1989. Since then HIV has spread rapidly having no regard for human life. The factors leading to the rapid spread of HIV in the Naga context spreads over a wide spectrum of related and unrelated issues.
Over the years there is an increasing role of governments, institutions, non-governmental organizations, religious bodies and communities in the struggle against HIV. The global mobilization for financial, material and human resources in the HIV/AIDS campaign as a ‘peace-time issue’ is unprecedented in human history.
Here too, Nagas are reminded everyday of HIV/AIDS. We see graffiti on the walls, posters and hoardings along the highways and the scores of HIV related functions, trainings, seminars and workshops that appear in local newspapers. One wonders the extent of its real impact on HIV and the people.
In recent times the sea of unchanging HIV awareness programs leaves an impression that the HIV/AIDS campaign is stagnated. An awareness program can only do so much. A shift in focus from ‘awareness’ to ‘issues’ emerging out of awareness programs may possibly start unpeeling the many covers surrounding HIV. This increases the potential active participation of communities and people affected by HIV. Modes of HIV transmission reveal that HIV/AIDS campaigns need to move beyond prevention and health. Essentially a lasting and effective campaign against HIV/AIDS needs to be rooted in the broader struggle for human security. Lastly, our ability and will to transcend the ‘politicization’ of HIV/AIDS NGOs will define the course of the campaign against the virus.
