Respect and protect

While the mere thought of death scares most people, there are approximately 33.4 million worldwide who are probably numb to its everyday threat. This is the statistical number of the HIV-infected population; of which 2.1 million are children under 15.

In 2008 alone, about two million people surrendered to the disease. To this day, there is no cure for HIV. Treatment and medications are available and expensive; and even if one can afford it, well, let’s just say pain and uncertainty comes with the package.

Unfortunately, there are bigger issues than cost and death.

I would like to believe that the world is well-educated about AIDS. We know how one gets it, its signs and symptoms, and preventive measures – and the concern stops there.

I was once a contemptuous young girl. I thought AIDS was the result of reckless decision-making therefore whoever is infected with it deserves so. I certainly did not want to belong to that population (and still don’t) nor did I want anything to do with anyone who does. And I am pretty sure I wasn’t the only one who felt and thought so.

We do so well at “protecting” yet we fail (major) at “respecting.”

Children do not deserve this disease. No one deserves this disease.

Contempt and ignorance are bigger issues than death (to me, at least). Contempt and ignorance kill. These kill hope and opportunities for the world to finally see the end of HIV/AIDS – opportunities that require global unity. Global unity begins with a desire from every single one of us to end the problem.

The task is great especially since few take the responsibility. But imagine how small it might seem once the world decides to do something about it. Do something about it. We are all capable of doing something about it. Cliché, yes; but true.

Be educated, inform others. Donate or lend your time. Rid yourselves of contempt and discrimination. Rock love this World AIDS’ day.

References:

http://worldaidsday.org

http://unaids.org

http://un.org

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