It was my turn to present yesterday. Each week a group member chooses a global issues to discuss. There are 12 Millennium goals that the UN are trying to reach.
I choose HIV/AIDS because it is such a global problem that is crippling Africa, with the highest rate infection in South Africa. It is preventable and treatable, however having HIV in a developing country is far worse than having it in a developed country. I wont get into all the figures but 15,000 people a day worldwide are infected.
Knowing your status is key. But if don't have any testing facilities nearby and you can't afford to travel its not going to be a priority. Then if you can afford the life- saving drugs then why bother with testing? Also if you will be stigmatised and made to feel ashamed why would you tell people your status. All this is due to a lack of education and poverty, so being born poor means your more likely to have HIV/AIDS. Poverty is not just about a lack of money it takes away your choice too. Its not fair that just because you missed out on the birth lottery you should suffer more.
We must all be compassionate toward people who are living with this illness. HIV has no face - old, young, black, white, Straight, Gay, faithful, promiscuous. Lets all do our bit to stay safe and show love and support other with HIV and AIDS.
