HIV/AIDS is a global pandemic that brings with it local challenges as well as local solutions. In observation of World AIDS Day, IREX is pleased to share some insights into the complex issues that surround the disease across the globe by giving voice to some of those individuals working in this field.
Julian Sanjivan and Penlope Kobugabe are Community Solutions Program [8] Leaders, spending four months in the U.S. in order to strengthen their experience and skills in HIV/AIDS interventions.
Julian is the Human Resource Manager for the PT Foundation [9] in Malaysia, where roughly 100,000 are infected with HIV. His time at the AIDS Community Research Initiative of America (ACRIA) [10] has helped him better understand management and governance of HIV/AIDS organizations.
Penlope helps prevent mother to child transmissions and counsels at Protecting Families against HIV/AIDS in Uganda [11]. Also at ACRIA during her U.S. visit, Penlope has used her experience to help reduce stigma among HIV positive women and improve adherence to antiretroviral therapy.
Here are their thoughts for World AIDS Day 2012.
1. Why are World AIDS Day and other AIDS initiatives important?
Julian: I am a strong advocate that stigma and discrimination is what kills and not HIV itself. Furthermore, many people associate HIV with death. It is important to know that with advancements in the medical world today, especially with the introduction of antiretroviral treatment, people with HIV can live very long and healthy lives just like anyone else. I see World AIDS Day celebrations and other related initiatives as a pertinent platform to educate the common public about these issues in the hope of gaining some understanding.
Penlope: In Uganda, World AIDS Day reminds us that HIV is still a threat but with combined efforts we can make a difference. It is a day to raise awareness about safer sex and protection against new infections and also to pay respect to those who have passed on due to HIV and recognize their contribution to the world.
2. What have you gained during your experience here in the U.S. that will help you work on AIDS issues in your country?
Julian: One of the main things that we in Malaysia seem to lack is addressing issues of HIV and aging. With the government there providing Antiretroviral drugs for free, those living with HIV will be able to live longer. With this comes the need to address other health complications like drug toxicity and possibilities of other chronic diseases. As the U.S. has been grappling with issues on HIV and aging in only the last few years, it is about time Malaysia started initiatives on this as well.
Penlope: During this time in ACRIA, I realize that campaigns promoting HIV knowledge, changing attitude and behavior are very instrumental in fighting HIV at the individual, group and community levels. Research is equally a strong tool toward fighting new infection as it informs policy makers. Fighting domestic violence, education of the LGBT community in Uganda about HIV prevention and empowering older adults with HIV knowledge and behavioral change messages are the main areas I will focus my attention.
3. Is there anything practical that people reading this article can do to help in this cause?
Julian: Most people tend to forget that HIV is a public health concern, meaning it affects every one of us! We need to work together to address it, learn about it, and talk about it.
Penlope: All people need to fight HIV stigma and discrimination right from where they are; talk to children about HIV both at home and in schools.