As we all know this is the great African pandemic in the early 1980s extensive education and prevention plans were launched in both the urban and rural centers through out the country. An informed population is needed to combat the spread of HIV and AIDS and yet we still have over 10% of the population living with HIV/AIDS. I could quote endless statistics to prove the point that new infections are happening everyday with the most at risk population being 15-24 year olds there is a problem which none of the current programs have been able to pin-point. The benefit of a youth on youth dialogue on these issues will be the more relaxed atmosphere and mutual understanding of the situation in our generation and not to try and impose 1980s solutions.
There are a number of orphanages that cater to HIV positive children who often have a very low life expectancy to these children hope is a bitter thing as they often know they will not live long enough to fulfill their potential. AIDS and HIV medication has advanced to a stage that with the right drugs life expectancy can return to almost normal and a child born with AIDS is not condemned to a short and painful life. It is the attitude of many however that AIDS is something to be ashamed of and hence children orphaned because of the disease face shocking abuse and are not provided with access to the medication that would save their lives.
The Situation with children born with aids is sad and really what we can do is figure out a way to fundraise for ARV'S otherwise being supportive and there for these kids is most important. being able to visit the orphanges and give them all the love we can. In highschool i was lucky enough to be able to donate food and clothing for these children, play with them and pretty much spread the love. It really helps..
ReplyDeleteAs for the adults, lack of education is a major reason why more and more people are suffering from aids today. We need to be able to spread the word. But this all means nothing until we actually act. Hopefully in the future things could change.