Happy days! But how many are left? It’s impossible to tell which of these children is living with HIV just by looking at them.
Today is World AIDS Day. It’s in memory of those lost to it, and to raise awareness of it. You can look up stats and medical information all over the web. I want us to think about assumptions we make – judging people who have it, not knowing – knowing – the impact, the ripple that rips through people’s lives when they don’t get the help they need.
Many moons ago, friends and I raised money for an AIDS hospice in Thailand – I can’t remember its name… It was started by a priest who, living in an abattoir in the worst slum in the capital, saw first-hand the unfolding of the HIV and AIDS travesty in Bangkok. Imagine this: the main breadwinner – the father – is no longer able to work, is increasingly ill, and has already passed it on to his wife. If she gets pregnant, their children are likely to contract it. Two generations infected, and no one left to look after the living.
A hospice was created. Part medical facility, part school, part housing. Wards for the men-folk, wards for the women who contracted HIV AIDS – in this community it’s mostly through their husbands, and wards for the children who are too ill to get on with daily life. The healthier ones go to school within the compound and play. Everyone has support – professional help – as well as community connection. A fantastic setup.
I know many who would not enter such a place – fear is a strong deterrent, even if you ‘know’ that it’s illogical.
Why am I sharing this? Because ignorance, judgement – and yes, fear, still rule when it comes to HIV AIDS.
I want to remind you that HIV and AIDS is a problem for many millions who are not homosexual, and for far too many who are too young to have had sex. Spread the word – the fight is far from over. As for Rami Malik as Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody – bloody amazing.
