World AIDS Day

December 1 is the world’s HIV/AIDS Day. On this day, we are reminded of many people who are affected and infected HIV/AIDS and need continued care and support from one and all. Think with me about those care givers who are often not remembered in the system of care of those affected with HIV/AIDS.

Millions of women care for their family and community members as they suffer from AIDS. In Africa, a silent army of female volunteers cares for the sick. Some are trained as community health workers or birth attendants, while others are simply responding to an immediate need. Where hospitals are not available or places for everyday care, faith-based organizations frequently fill in the gaps, providing everything from food to support groups and last rites. Most caregivers receive little or no financial support, even for necessary medical supplies or transportation expenses. The burden of these responsibilities frequently result in an inability to pay for family expenses, such as for food or school fees, causing girls to withdraw from school to provide care and/or help compensate for lost family income, increasing their risk of sexual exploitation and HIV infection.

Many women who were first at the bedside of HIV-positive persons are themselves occupying those beds today. When women are ill, men do not always take on the same responsibilities and women are often the last to receive healthcare. In communities heavily affected by HIV, services are stretched more than ever. Many people, especially women, are prevented from obtaining treatment due to poverty, geography, and weak health systems. HIV-positive women often face a greater degree of discrimination when trying to obtain treatment and access to health services, particularly sexual and reproductive health services. Access to medicine is prevented by high costs, the inadequate training of health professionals and unfair global trade rules that hinder distribution. More than five out of six people who need anti-retroviral treatment do not receive it. I like the idea of churches coming out and playing its public role in calling national governments to scale up access to antiretroviral medicines and overcome trade barriers to anti-retroviral treatment, including utilizing generic drugs. Profit motives should not override the urgent humanitarian need for readily available, safe and affordable drugs. What do you think?