HIV/AIDS described
As one of the scariest diseases humanity is facing, the most terrible part of it is that you cannot cure it. HIV is a master of disguise in the human body, using our own immune system to reproduce and take over the host, similar to a nightmare in the zombie genre. After some time, the abused immune system is completely shut down, and that is when AIDS appears. In this state, our body cannot defend itself even from simple diseases like the common cold, making it a guaranteed death sentence.
Discriminated and misunderstood
The virus itself was publicly announced around 1981, and it kept the world in fear. Naturally, humans want to preserve their health and well-being, and sometimes we go to radical extremes. As the disease spread mostly among populations of gay men, transpersons, sex workers, and unfortunate drug addicts, it became one more reason to stigmatize them. When people see something strange and different, acceptance is not often the reaction; usually, it is some form of fear or aggression. Additionally, people often resort to “karmic thinking,” believing that those infected with HIV got what they deserved as a punishment from God.
Shackled by fear and misunderstanding, this disease not only caused the death and suffering of millions but also created great division in our global society. Discrimination often cuts off needed support, and if that support is critical, its absence results in losses not only to our economy but also to our common well-being. Socially exiled persons cannot contribute their services and goods to our global family.
Stop HIV/AIDS
After more than 40 years of battling this complicated disease, we now have everything we need to finally get rid of this plague. Medication called PrEP is able to stop the transmission of the disease. The medication itself halts the virus’s reproduction, making an infected person who uses it properly non-infectious, even during sexual or blood-to-blood contact with an uninfected recipient. If the recipient is also using PrEP, the virus particle cannot reproduce, and it is just a matter of time before it breaks down and is urinated out. Simply put, the person is immune to the infection.
Challenges of eradicating HIV/AIDS
This discovery is a great victory for global health and well-being, yet there is still work to be done. By utilizing the wonderful properties of PrEP, we can eradicate HIV within a couple of decades. However, our worst enemies in facing this challenge are financial and informational barriers. As a European, I have access to government-supported PrEP, but the biggest question is about third-world countries. Despite this, we are not only talking about the health and lifespan of people. The fear of the disease is real, and it can create reasonable building blocks for xenophobia and racism. A healthy population is the cornerstone of a global family. The second challenge is informational. Even well-educated, well-informed people often have no idea about this method. They don’t know that HIV is now completely manageable with minimal effort. It is our responsibility to enlighten people about such a wonder of the modern medical world.
We Done It Once We can do it again!
Throughout our common history, we have faced many diseases. One of the most terrifying was smallpox, or the “red plague,” known for its astonishing lethality and the permanent disabilities it caused in survivors. From blindness to ruined lungs and many other crippling effects, it left a permanent mark on those unfortunate enough to be affected. But by taking responsibility into their own hands, the world changed. We can celebrate the victory over this monstrous disease in 1980. There is no more suffering caused by smallpox, and it is only because of the right action taken. This is a great example set by our elders, and we must follow in their footsteps.
For longer and happier lives, for economies and communities where everyone has potential despite their race, sexuality, or unfortunate history, we must take action and eradicate HIV for the future our children deserve.
With Love and Care,
Darian
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