I signed up to participate in the Link and Think project to learn more about how it is affecting others, since I haven’t been affected by it firsthand.
My initial understanding was that AIDS affects gay men and drug users who share needles. I was also aware that blood transfusions used to be another way to contract the virus, but that now the blood is tested so it is no longer a concern.
After reading a few articles I was surprised to find that more than 30 million are infected in Africa as well as another 4 million in India. In the UK there are not nearly as many, but the rate of growth is scary. The number of new cases looks set to rise by 25 percent. Worldwide there are 42 million individuals who are infected with HIV.
I learned that my initial impression was incorrect after reading an article by Pamela Bone.
“In Africa, AIDS is not a disease of gay men or intravenous drug users. It is spread almost entirely by heterosexual sex, and women now account for 58 percent of infections.“
As the problem continues to grow it will not be possible to ignore it. U2 singer Bono did a good job of explaining the situation.
“What’s going on is actually a crisis of the order never experienced before. I think HIV-AIDS has set back development to the point where we’re living with statistics that we should not be living with. It’s an everyday Holocaust.“
Another part of this tragedy is the countless orphans left behind after both parents have died from AIDS. In Haiti somewhere around 160,000 children have been orphaned due to this disease. Which is why CASI is doing so much in that country. It’s one of the easiest countries to adopt from now.
Sadly, a great deal of the women in Africa affected are married. Infidelity in marriage is rampant.
I heard earlier this year that one of the African nations began a fidelity and abstinance campaign which decreased new cases of AIDS dramatically. That’s kind of ironic since people here scream high and low that you can’t socially influence sexual behavior and kids (and adults) are going to do what they are going to do.
If I can find the link to the stats for that nation, I will add it here.
And on the topic of socially shaping society and those who say it’s not possible, tell that to the advertisers who spend millions to get you to consider their products.
“Did somebody say McDonalds?”
“Obey your thirst.” (Yeah, image is nothing but buy Sprite if you’re thirty.)
I’d say we’re highly influenceable in all our habits. It just takes a good marketing firm.
I’d be interested to see that link if you find it.
Yeah, image is nothing but buy Sprite if you’re thirty.
But I’m only 27 and drink Sprite on occasion. Hah!