The scourge of AIDS and the possibility of an AIDS free generation

The scourge of AIDS and the possibility of an AIDS free generation

AIDS is undoubtedly one of the greatest challenges that our generation faces, however unlike previous generations we cannot complain of a lack of knowledge on the subject we have no one to hold responsible for the prevalence of AIDS in Zimbabweans aged 15-24.

The title includes the possibility of an aids free generation as the eternal optimist I find it difficult to say that this is nigh impossible for my generation. It appears the AIDS virus has a very permanent grip on the Zimbabwean populous with infection rates in the last 5 years steadying up and the availability of anti-retroviral drugs becoming more readily available albeit to a dissatisfying small amount of the affected.

 What has been most disappointing to those fighting AIDS is the reluctance of the countries leaders in speaking openly and candidly about this disease that affects a significant amount of their labour base. What the economical and political leaders have failed to see is that with the AIDS virus affecting the traditionally most economically active demographics in the population there is a lots of damage being done the level of skilled labour has decreased and this coupled with the ‘brain drain’ that Zimbabwe has witnessed has left the country in a very precarious position.

What can we as the youth do about this problem? Its simple let us use those practises that have been proven to reduce the spread of AIDS. Simply put SAFE SEX is the only sex anyone should be having no matter how trusted the partner may be. And hopefully as a result of this we can bring the prevalence rates down to manageable levels. The battle against AIDS is an ideological one as much as it is about resources until people realise that their behaviour affects those around them we will not be able to move forward .

A Luta Continua 

out of Africa something new

Ex Afrique semper aliquid novi - out of Africa something new

                                                                          Pliny The Elder 

It is amazing how though centuries have passed since the Roman natural historian Pliny The Elder wrote this quote that it still rings true. More accurately translated, as there is always something new out of Africa, I can not help but use it as inspiration for the faith that I have in the youth of our generation. We are in the unique position that we do not have to follow any precedents instead set our own. We come from a young country by any means and it is a country, which still has so much potential most importantly the potential within us.

In Zimbabwe we face a generational transition where the majority of youth below the age of 25 is in some way are crying out for help. Help that the rest of the youth we can provide. I chose to write this post as an update to let you all know that the struggle is continuing ( A Luta Continua), the war against Poverty against AIDS against ignorance is not one that can be won in one battle it is a war of attrition .

In the war against Poverty, I see the massive aid effort in Haiti and I am filled with hope I know most of you recently would know that the best contemporary musicians got together to re-record ‘We are the World’ what a huge gesture it shows you the seriousness of the situation and we should all be praying for Haiti. I then thought the last time they sang the song it was for the famine in Ethiopia, I became worried once the t.v cameras left the hype died down the people of Ethiopia where still left in a situation that was untenable the aid money slowed down and the basic problems that had been highlighted magnified by this natural disaster remained, Similarly in Haiti no one is talking about helping set up a good government a system in place to help the country in the future. If we are the world then the Haiti problem should be solved not only by money for the moment but by investments for the future.

A Luta Continua.