Well thanks Glynis, not picking a heavy topic at all are we (insert eye roll). I had trouble with this one, not because I have nothing to say, but because I have too much to say. I have written 70 page papers on this and I don’t think the blog needs that. So here I go, please remember this is a summary, I will always talk more if prodded.
The biggest problem with HIV/AIDS treatments, is that there is a global trend of thinking it as a solitary, contained disease that can be handled solely by medication. It is not. Disregarding for a second the cost of antiretroviral treatments (medication to help treat HIV/AIDS), it is the cost of sustaining the surrounding programming that is necessary to help in Africa and the rest of the world. Antiretroviral drugs are virtually useless without the appropriate nutrition to help the body absorb them properly, so in many malnourished areas and countries, simply providing the drugs is not enough. As well, many of the symptoms and deaths resulting from HIV/AIDS can actually be largely contributed to easily treatable, curable and avoidable (through vaccines) communicable diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and polio, just to name a few. All of these are essentially wiped out in the western world and yet are actually the number one killers (when it comes to medical related deaths) in Africa. These diseases are what combine with HIV/AIDS in Africa to make it so deadly.
And the largest problem in Africa, Asia, and even the Western world with treating the disease is the stigma associated with it. Hundreds of thousands of people refuse to get tested for HIV/AIDS even if the testing is free and easily accessible because of the stigma attached with a positive result. In many communities, the affected are ostracized and cut off from the lives they have known. Even here in Canada there is a stigma with being HIV positive, preventing many people from finding out about their status. And if people do not know whether or not they have HIV/AIDS, how on earth are they going to be able to receive treatment for it.
SOOO... what can Canada do. Canadian doctors, politicians, humanitarians, and regular citizens can work with other countries to reduce the stigma that people living with HIV/AIDS face every day of their lives. In this, we need to recognize that Canada is not perfect and also has its own issues to work with. There needs to be more communication with different organizations, such as UNAIDS, the World Health Organization, UN Food Programme and more to work together to deal with these problems. The largest problem with HIV/AIDS in Africa is in countries that have failed to acknowledge the disease. Uganda was one of the most pro-active countries when HIV/AIDS first emerged and promoted education, prevention and treatment programs. In spite of the problems they have had with violence over the past two decades, they have had one of the highest success rates in the WORLD. Compare this with South Africa, which has become one of the most highly economically developed countries in Africa in the past two decades but has one of the highest incidence rates of HIV/AIDS. Some of this may be attributed to a President and his chief medical council who stated that “HIV does not cause AIDS” and claiming that condoms actually helped spread HIV. Working with other governments to make HIV/AIDS knowledge and awareness a priority is what Canada needs to do in conjunction with other governments. There is also the need to establish a comprehensive HEALTH plan that includes the treatment of HIV/AIDS and communicable diseases and malnutrition, etc.
As with addressing donor fatigue, I honestly don’t know the answer to that fully. I think one of the best things the Canadian government can do is lead by example, show that they are fully invested in treating HIV/AIDS in both Africa and Canada. By promoting the idea that this should not be a judgement call, people are sick and need help, it should not matter where they live or whatever happened to them in the course of those lives. There is also the issue of its relevance in the media, very rarely do you read about the number of deaths caused by HIV/AIDS anymore. The governments and organizations such as the Red Cross (and others) need to make it a hot button issue again.
I firmly believe that the best way to keep donors funds out of the swiss bank accounts is to work with local, on-the ground organizations. Many international groups, with the best of intentions, spend exorbitant amounts of money trying to set up new programs to promote HIV/AIDS treatment and awareness without realizing that there are already local groups set in place who already have the community resources and knowledge. Partnerships are the key. Working with the people of Africa and helping where we can, rather than attempting to “solve the African problem”. Funds need to be divided between governments and local organizations, with stipulations put on all funding. Stipulations about the amount of money used for treatment vs prevention vs education, ensuring not to put one significantly higher than the other. Plans must be multi-tiered in order to work, you cannot stop HIV/AIDS if you refuse to attend to all three areas, something which many governments ignore. The funds need to be issued without religious connotations and stipulations, and be placed solely as a necessity for human life.
I think that is how I am going to leave it for now. Please feel free to add on to what I have said, or give me your own opinions. Once again, this is not the entirety of my opinion, just a little taste of it.
Until next time....
Amber
PS – My first blog was totally going to be about the Canadian election, way to screw me up Glynis.
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