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 

‘An icon for the struggle of life’

Nkosi Johnson

‘An icon for the struggle of life’

Nkosi is in many ways the very reason for this series of posts. Born Hiv positive Nkosi went on to become one of the most famous spokes people against discrimination he initially was not allowed to begin school because of his Hiv status a subsequent legal battle ensued and Nkosi won the right to school but the battle was won for all Hiv positive people. Nkosi highlights the power that one (voice a child nonetheless) can have.

Nkosi to me is the embodiment of the spirit I believe everyone should have and especially the youth of our generation. A child born with the odds stacked against him he managed to touch the hearts and souls of millions of people the world over. Its amazing that in a situation that to many would seem hopeless his hope seemed to spring eternal optimism seems a misnomer he was more than an optimist.

Nkosi has received many awards including being named one of south Africas most influential individuals this is a great feat to be named amongst great names such as Oliver Tambo and Walter Sisulu of course Nelson Mandela.I know I have chosen a South African as my first post and this isn’t very patriotic however I believe that Nkosi transcends such barriers as nationality race what he stands for is universal and it is a message of hope. I know that Nkosi is gone but his message and spirit lives on.

Next post I will look at my icon ‘in the stuggle for freedom’

A luta Continua