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Jjlabana
Joined: Jan 14, 2005
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The Need For Momentum
January 14, 2005 - 05:39 AM
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Reading through the various comments regarding the AIDs and HIV issue there seems to be great feeling surrounding the causes and the possible methods of prevention.
Whilst all this is extremely relevant, this has been the starting line and finishing line for all previous discussion on the subject. Although I don't want to just pump out statistics for the sake of a split second of familiar shock, 8,500 people died today of AIDS, just as the same number did the day before. And the day before that there were many people just like us having the same discussions on the matter.
Thankfully, in recent years, AIDS has become an acceptable talking point, as for years it was an ignored snowball that was allowed to amount into an avalanche. Sadly, though it is an acceptable debating point, it has generated into an even more unacceptable force of destruction globally.
The on-going suggestions for how to prevent the spread of AIDS, eg abstaining, is an ideallogical misfit. Whilst filled with the best intention, the problem has now become too large a beast for such a weak repellant. This discussion has to go on past these suggestions, and onto a greater scale of global concentration.
There has to be momentum from governments, media, the IMF, the World Health Organisation and most importantly from the world's population. There needs to be far greater investment from the developed world into research for a cure. Not just a profit driven "treatment".
The pressure on these governments can only come from the people on the street. Once they make a loud enough voice, the media has no option but to report it, and that's when governments start acting. Once these "developed" world governments start to apply pressure to the goverments of the epidemic hit countries (who, in many instances are too eager to ignore the problem for the sake of foreign affairs or military gains). And then, with co-operation from the IMF, can start to really make a change in the culture that leads to the spread of disease.
This is a long process, but has to start tomorrow, today, yesterday! This is not an age-old problem without a solution - its a complex problem that we've never had a concerted to solve!
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thnxtmvmnt
Joined: Jul 19, 2002
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One direction, many routes!
January 15, 2005 - 02:55 AM
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Well spoken! It's time to take action. I think its common consensus that its time to take action. We, however, do not seem to reach the same level of agreement when it comes to the route to go. While in your part of the world, promoting abstinence might not be a working solution, its still a realistic target in mine.
We can never reach a common agreement on the best way because of the differences between you and me, your family and mine, your religion/beliefs and mine, your community and mine. And I dont see your or me taking up each others beliefs soon. So which route should we all take?!
I believe we cannot seem to curb HIV/AIDS because of the approach we are taking. I believe instead of 'attacking' it directly by promoting condoms use or abstinence or prophylactics, tackle it from the route cause! Try and work on the human behaviour. That's what's mainly causing the spread of HIV. Not condoms or homosexuality etc.
In the end, although we are taking different routes all together, one should have made an informed decision on which road to take, if you know what I mean.
One more thing, it is easy to prescribe solutions for others and lay the blame on our governments IMF etc, I believe to change others first change yourself. That shoulld inspire your immediate community. Now imagine if there are 'millions of you', how much impact would that be?
UNREALISTIC?
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Jjlabana
Joined: Jan 14, 2005
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Re: The Need For Momentum
January 16, 2005 - 10:56 AM
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Obviously you have a better idea of possible solutions for your part of the world, where the problem is undoubtedly greatest. I can only speak on the matter from the perspective of being in a country that seems to bask in its immunity to the problem. Perhaps this lack of involvement from my part of the world is what makes me push for a global solution.
I think if it is to be tackled at "grass root" level, ie taking on the problem locally, then there has to be global recognition that that is happening. Therefore, everybody knows that the world is working towards the goal of eradicating AIDS, not just certain areas.
As you suggest, AIDS and HIV can be combatted by everyone acknowledging there individual responsibility. And "on the ground" this will work if everyone gets involved. But for everyone to get involved, they need to know that this programme exists. A hugely publicised campaign would make potential victims of AIDS and HIV think again when it comes to participating in something that could lead to AIDS. This is where I think the "developed" countries can help. With these nations' participation in the effort the word could spread quicker. After all, a problem shared is a problem halved.
I think one possible route to take would be to "twin" wealthy countries where the problem is limited, to those who are actively tackling the epidemics. For example, if Britain were twinned with Zimbabwe then the governments of the 2 nations could work together over a set period (say, 10 years) to solve Zimbabwe's AIDS and HIV problem, both financially and practically! (And who knows, if could help alleviate the political friction between the 2 nations!). It would make Britain accountable for both its aid contributions as the results would be there for all to see and also exemplify the kind of responsibility that Britain should be shouldering as a "developed" nation.
Whilst this suggestion might be politically naive, I can't see any major issues with why this scheme, or something similar, could not be introduced. If any government around the world were to offer a better alternative then it would certainly be refreshingly assuring that they are actively tackling the issues. Unfortunately, there seems to be no significant indication of that as yet.
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