Garth RattrayOFT TIMES the answers to many of our problems lie hidden in plain sight. We are sometimes the architects of our own demise. We lay the foundation with ignorance, righteous indignation and distrust. We build walls around ourselves with prejudice and scorn. We then top it off with persecution and ostracism.
The HIV/AIDS problem is here to stay for a long time. Barring a miracle cure, silver bullet or vaccine, we have to make do with what we already have in the fight against this insidious epidemic. What we already have is each other. We are our greatest weapon against this disease. God always provides the means for us to save ourselves but we sometimes fail to do so because of individualism.
There is so much that we can learn from one another and yet many people prefer to make their own mistakes to the detriment of themselves and others. These completely avoidable mistakes sometimes lead to fatal consequences. I myself have learnt a great deal from my HIV/AIDS patients and I in turn wish that they were able to share their knowledge and experiences with others without fear of persecution or prejudice.
HIV/AIDS is caused by a virus that for some, as yet unknown, reason has a predilection for only one particular type of cell that our body produces which is essential for the integrity (normal functioning) of our immune (defence) system. It is transmitted from person to person through blood products or body fluids.
With the exception of medical accidents, it takes intimate contact to transmit the Human Immunosuppressive Virus (HIV).
The greatest risk factor (for most people) is any unprotected sexual intercourse. This all sounds simple and straightforward and yet our HIV/AIDS cases continue to climb unabated. The virus kills by proxy so to speak. If left unrestricted, it destroys the immune system and allows intercurrent infections with bacteria, fungi and other viruses to wreak havoc. The ensuing free-for-all is eventually fatal.
The Human Immunosuppressive Virus is quite fragile and yet it has so far been our greatest nemesis. Unabated it could become the plague that will end civilisation as we know it. In time it will devastate our people and our economy. Its greatest allies are "Hypocrisy, Ignorance and Vilification", ironically also represented by the letters HIV.
Hypocrisy: Many people utter these famous last words, "This could never happen to me!" however the majority of HIV/AIDS victims have done nothing different from most Jamaicans. Being hypocritical (putting on a false appearance of virtue) only deceives us into believing that we are totally safe. Anyone engaging in unprotected coitus is at risk. Many of my HIV/AIDS patients were in trusting (supposedly) monogamous relationships but the significant other strayed. The most common statement made by my HIV patients is, "If this can happen to me then it can happen to anyone!"
Those infected should never be judged as being 'bad', 'worthless' or even 'careless'. Admitting susceptibility endows caution.
Ignorance: This is also a major factor in the spread of HIV/AIDS. True education means not only learning about HIV but also practising what is learnt. It is no use knowing a lot about the Human Immunosuppressive Virus and then throwing caution to the wind during unthinking moments. Any intimate contact may transmit the virus. Either do nothing or do everything to protect yourself. I have many intelligent, highly educated patients who are in salacious yet unprotected relationships because they perceive their partner to be too pretty, too handsome or too healthy-looking to be infected with the Human Immunosuppressive Virus. If you are giving serious consideration to an unprotected relationship then you should tell your partner to do an HIV test. You never want to hear the words, "You are HIV positive" from anybody at anytime.
Vilification: Vilifying victims of HIV/AIDS only forces them into hiding. Fear of societal reaction causes many people to avoid testing even when they experience suspicious symptoms. This contributes to the spread of the disease. Fear of societal reaction even causes many people to avoid much needed therapy. The self-imposed isolation by HIV/AIDS victims denies everyone access to their vast reservoir of experience and knowledge.
If these people were free to speak openly, then others would see that they are just like the rest of us.
They would see that some victims have had only one sexual encounter. They would see the devastating effects of the virus on the lives of its victims. They would stop perceiving the HIV problem as an abstraction and see it up close and personal. Many lives would be saved.
It is very unfortunate that after all this time the victims of HIV/AIDS are still stigmatised. Scorn and disdain are not the actions of sensible individuals. Our salvation lies in embracing our HIV positive brothers and sisters. They deserve our support and we in turn can draw from their experiences. Without their input and at this rate, sooner or later we will all have close friends and relatives who are also HIV positive.
Garth A. Rattray is a medical doctor with a family practice.
