AIDS: An introduction
An estimated 38.6 million people worldwide were living with HIV in 2005. An estimated 4.1 million
became newly infected with HIV, and an estimated 2.8 million lost their lives to AIDS.
Behind each number is a story.
In the greatest humanitarian crisis of our time, statisticians have thrown out numbers at a mind numbing rate. Let us not forget that each number is someone’s mother, father, daughter, son or partner; real lives cut tragically short by a preventable killer. Many of those living with the virus are among the poorest of the poor, unable to receive proper medical attention. Moreover, their status has led to condemnation and isolation due to the stigma the disease still carries in many parts of the world. Sadly, many die suffering in isolation, never understanding the intrinsic value of their life.
Where is their hope?
Since the beginning of the pandemic there have been many who have spoken out for a response to the disease. There are those that have followed the notion that HIV/AIDS is divine punishment, let out on those who sin against God and Creation. Still, amidst the confusion and condemnation there have been voices of hope. Those who engage the pandemic, peeling back layers of classism, misogyny, homophobia, racism and fear of the unknown to shed light on the situations that perpetuate HIV/AIDS offering a new vision for the Church and ultimately humanity. These include anthropologists and disease experts like Paul Farmer, theologians like Musa Dube and Musimbi Kanyoro and organizations like TAPP that seek to humanize persons living with HIV/AIDS by entering into their stories and legitimizing their experiences.
There is no cure for HIV/AIDS. Recent breakthroughs in drug research do give hope to those living with HIV/AIDS to live a full healthy life. One can only acquire HIV/AIDS through semen, vaginal fluids and blood. Evidence shows that condom usage and abstinence greatly lower one’s chance of becoming HIV positive. It is recommended that you get tested immediately if you are sexually active. There is no silver bullet to ending the HIV/AIDS pandemic, but through tireless work in prevention and education there is hope that one day the disease will become history.