Reflections on World AIDS Day

This morning, after coffee, I logged into Facebook to see what my friends are focusing on today. Many posts brought my attention to December 1, 2010 being World AIDS Day. As a matter of focus, AIDS has faded in my priority list of issues. These posts got me to thinking about why I am no longer motivated in this worthy cause. Frankly, it is the success in the fight against AIDS that has drawn me into this abyss of casualness concerning AIDS.

Recently, a new friend disclosed to me that he has HIV and is currently stable with the virus at undetectable levels. My immediate reaction was “what a pain to have to deal with a chronic condition like AIDS.” It is exactly this attitude that is the problem in the current effort against AIDS. In western countries, individuals with HIV have access to medications. In the rest of the world no such access exists. Millions continue to die from HIV where medication and education is nonexistent. This year the theme for World AIDS Day is “Universal Access and Human Rights”.

This world has the ability to fight the spread of HIV through education and medications, yet funding for the effort is dependent upon those nations with economic ability staying focused on the goal. The attitude that AIDS is a chronic condition, leads to a lack of funding and an unethical disregard for millions suffering worldwide.

This is a Human Rights issue; join me in focusing on access to treatment and education worldwide. AIDS is not yesterday’s issue, the goal is within sight and we can be successful if we resist the temptation view what is happening in our communities as representative of the world situation.

Thank you to those in my community who posted information on World AIDS Day. Your information created a change in my thinking and prevented me from becoming too comfortable in my little world.

In Service to the Goddess,

Peter