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Slipping up again

I am somewhat concerned that issues concerning HIV-Aids are being relegated to the bottom of our national priorities list.

I am somewhat concerned that issues concerning HIV-Aids are being relegated to the bottom of our national priorities list.

Historically we have had a laissez faire attitude in dealing with this grave matter and I am afraid we are falling into the same trap again after being able to maintain consistent attention to the subject over the past few years.

It seems, at least to me, that the only time the HIV-Aids dialogue is heightened, is when there are controversially divisive issues that affect the lives of the infected and affected.

I strongly believe that it would be suicidal, both on the side of the powers that be and pressure groups, to pretend that we are over the hurdle.

Firstly, the sad and true reflection of the HIV-Aids mirror is that more and more people continue to be exposed to new infections daily.

Secondly, more and more people are desperately seeking treatment, care and support to manage the ghastly reality of living in a world that is highly infected with HIV-Aids.

Thirdly, HIV-Aids is deeply entrenched in the death phase, with hundreds of our people dying silently and being buried as if God is longing and preparing for a massive party in heaven.

Contrary to what our blindfolded outgoing president would like to have us believe, there is no family in this country that has not been touched by this thankless and parasitic virus.

The regrettable fact that HIV-Aids remains incurable does not mean that we should be overpowered, overwhelmed and overcome to a point of surrender.

It is imperative for each and every one of us to remind one another and ourselves that we are engaged in a noble battle to save the human race.

Equally crucial is that we must master sufficient courage, resolve and will to remain focused until we reach the desired stage of living in an Aids-free world.

We need a revived leadership, particularly that of a political nature, so that the nation can be reawakened, revitalised and re-energised into ensuring that HIV-Aids remains a priority as we collectively strive to make our country a better place to live in.

Our people, irrespective of race or creed, and our country is desperately crying out for a strong commitment to this universal struggle to preserve human life against this cold-blooded and ruthless killer that is silently maiming our children in their mother's wombs.

We have to speak, to cry, to sing, to dance together as one society, as one people, as dignified and honourable and unrelenting members of the human race.

We must rise above our comfort zones, must challenge our restrictive beliefs and prejudices to ensure that future generations will know that their predecessors did everything in their power to secure their future.

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