Peter Aley
Programme Coordinator, DIC, NMP+.
Since the discovery of HIV virus, it has created a sense of fear and social unrest. The fact that it cannot be cured sparks an overwhelming amount of fear. And the fact that our world is filled with this disease adds more fuel to the fear of being infected. AIDS has generated curiosity and fear in the minds of the people. Remarkable amount of research is being done on HIV but to this day there is no probable cure.
Ignorance has been the prime factor for the rapid increase of this disease. But now it’s no more an excuse. Our knowledge and awareness about this virus is more now than ever. But how is our approach towards this disease even now? AIDS was regarded as a ‘Taboo’ and is still regarded as one. Seriously, there has been no change in our approach towards AIDS. We have been awarding the HIV victims with heaps and heaps of discrimination. The people in our so-called, modern society have played an important role in creating a huge gaping boundary between the ‘normal’ and the ‘infected ones’. A heavy pat on your backs! What a humane gesture! We have reached a saturation point where almost everyone knows what AIDS is. Ask a child, he will explain you with feats and details. It is not a wonder though.
• How can we stop this epidemic from growing?
The most basic yet the most important step to control this disease is to support sexual abstinence. AIDS is primarily caused through sexual contacts. The Bible is clear about this truth; we must stay pure! The biggest weakness of man can also be the best weapon to save himself from this virus. Preserve yourself, stand aware!
• What can we do to fight AIDS?
AIDS is not a combat-material. You cannot kill it by doing anything. In fact there is no medicine on the face of this earth to combat this incurable disease. You cannot kill the virus either by hatred or discrimination. But the irony here is we love discriminating people! How many of you will have the courage to hug a HIV positive? How many of you will care to talk with them? Encourage them? How many of you can seriously smile back at them? Many of us view them with a feeling of disgust and ism.
Discrimination towards the ‘HIV Positive’ is the biggest wound that you can inflict on them and can also pave the way in spreading. They are human too; we must stop treating them in a sub-human level. Discrimination is also the biggest challenge for an NGO or any organisation. Every time I dealt with an infected, I see the hidden fear in them and I know why. It is because of discrimination, they fear to come out from their shelf. Discrimination kills their self-esteem as a person. It sucks the beauty out of their life. How will you feel (if suppose) you are a HIV positive and everyone discrimination you for being a carrier of this virus? How will you feel if people draw distance away from you? It is realistic to stand in ‘their’ shoes. You will truly understand how much pain, shame and discrimination they go through. How are we contributing in helping them fight this virus? We must have a burden for them. There is so much we can do to help them fight this virus. It’s time we start breaking our barriers of discrimination. I tell you, discrimination is more deadly than HIV! The best gift you can give is LOVE. It is amazing to realize the love of God in our lives. Let us share the abundant love of God with the infected ones.
The biggest disease today is not AIDS but rather the feeling of being unwanted, uncared for and deserted by everybody. It is my ‘platinum’ ambition to beat the virus out of this land. It cannot be achieved through hatred or discrimination....but with love, for love is the best medicine in the world. Spread love, not AIDS.
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