Not Imaginative Enough Yet

The severe impact of the AIDS pandemic on families, communities and economies is commonly acknowledged by scientists, the media and politicians the world over. In the year 2000, the UN Security Council said that HIV/AIDS is a potential threat to peace and security.

However, more than 25 years later the losses remain stark: AIDS continues to kill almost 6000 people each day and more than 2 out of 3 HIV positive people still lack access to treatment.

But are we getting tired by these messages? And besides, don’t we have treatment now? Well, the messages are getting tired, there are only so many times the global statistics or the plight of affected groups across the globe can be publicised without even the most sympathetic or empathic listener getting a little bit of message fatigue.

With the possibility of HIV message fatigue, should we persist along the same tracks of giving out leaflets, information and doing pro active prevention work in South Devon? I was starkly reminded why we should a few weeks ago. Eddystone are currently working with the Red Cross, and running a Peer Education Project around HIV and AIDS in Plymouth. Whilst working with this marvellous group of 16-22 year olds, it became obvious that none of them knew about the ‘Iceberg’ or ‘don’t die of Ignorance’ campaigns from 1987. In fact, most of them weren’t even born then. Fear of HIV and death associated with HIV just isn’t part of their understanding; HIV is a bit like Chlamydia, nasty, but treatable.

I spoke to some other young people about their understanding of HIV, and found myself alarmed that so many stereotypes and misinformation still exists. Simply put, much of the next generation doesn’t know enough about HIV to protect themselves – straight or gay, black or white, it is not enough; they think HIV has gone away, or just isn’t that serious anymore. Not once has the rate of HIV infection dropped, not for one day has the rate done anything but go up and up, so why imagine that it has?

Maybe we can afford to get tired, when the tide has turned, but until then, please continue to wear your red ribbon on World AIDS Day (1st December), support, solidarity and understanding are just what the world needs now, as well as fresh oeyes to help us to lead the way. Our commitment to prevention work will persist, and to positively engage with future generations, we hope yours will too.

Sarah Aston