"WHO told you that there is some kind of a crown jewel that is automatically attached to living with HIV?" I asked sternly as I deviated from my prepared speech.
"WHO told you that there is some kind of a crown jewel that is automatically attached to living with HIV?" I asked sternly as I deviated from my prepared speech.
I am concerned and angry because it seems that the powerful message to encourage and to provide a healthy public face of living positively with HIV is being abused by individuals who get infected with the feeble hope of becoming some kind of heroes and heroines.
I addressed a group of people living with HIV who have formed a support group that aims to create a conducive environment in which people can live without experiencing any discrimination and stigmatisation.
However, my agitation emanates from the realisation that the majority of those individuals actually got infected not less than five years ago.
What this means is that these people have rendered all our collective sacrifices - and the billions that government is spending on prevention in a concerted effort to create a world that is free from HIV and Aids - to nothing.
I find it irresponsible for people to think that they can use HIV as a private roadside to make senseless demands on anyone else other than themselves for the situation they may find themselves in.
To be infected with HIV is not a profession and it is nothing to be proud of. It is imperative to make that distinction.
I am always embarrassed to hear people claiming that they got infected because a condom burst or they were too drunk or there was simply no opportunity to use a condom.
Others, especially women, will claim that these free condoms that are provided by government cause rush on their genitals because they are free and therefore they cannot be trusted.
In fact, they go on to say that they prefer the one's that are sold that also come with perfumed variations. These are the same individuals who complain on a daily that they are receiving grants from government. The status is preposterous and it is unacceptable.
As I continued to speak, one could almost hear a pin drop because such utterances were not expected from me. But I cannot be seen to be encouraging unbecoming behaviour from anyone simply because "we are in the same boat".
Prevention is critical and it must be taken seriously. Therefore, the use of free preventative measures is imperative and if someone wants to have a child that process has to be closely managed by a qualified health practitioner.
I think that we must initiate new creative and meaningful initiatives that will honour people, particularly the young, who must be encouraged and honoured for remaining uninfected.
In this day and age it is inexcusable, unacceptable and gross for anyone to be infected with HIV. Period.
HIV INFECTION IS NOTHING TO BE PROUD OF
"WHO told you that there is some kind of a crown jewel that is automatically attached to living with HIV?" I asked sternly as I deviated from my prepared speech.
"WHO told you that there is some kind of a crown jewel that is automatically attached to living with HIV?" I asked sternly as I deviated from my prepared speech.
I am concerned and angry because it seems that the powerful message to encourage and to provide a healthy public face of living positively with HIV is being abused by individuals who get infected with the feeble hope of becoming some kind of heroes and heroines.
I addressed a group of people living with HIV who have formed a support group that aims to create a conducive environment in which people can live without experiencing any discrimination and stigmatisation.
However, my agitation emanates from the realisation that the majority of those individuals actually got infected not less than five years ago.
What this means is that these people have rendered all our collective sacrifices - and the billions that government is spending on prevention in a concerted effort to create a world that is free from HIV and Aids - to nothing.
I find it irresponsible for people to think that they can use HIV as a private roadside to make senseless demands on anyone else other than themselves for the situation they may find themselves in.
To be infected with HIV is not a profession and it is nothing to be proud of. It is imperative to make that distinction.
I am always embarrassed to hear people claiming that they got infected because a condom burst or they were too drunk or there was simply no opportunity to use a condom.
Others, especially women, will claim that these free condoms that are provided by government cause rush on their genitals because they are free and therefore they cannot be trusted.
In fact, they go on to say that they prefer the one's that are sold that also come with perfumed variations. These are the same individuals who complain on a daily that they are receiving grants from government. The status is preposterous and it is unacceptable.
As I continued to speak, one could almost hear a pin drop because such utterances were not expected from me. But I cannot be seen to be encouraging unbecoming behaviour from anyone simply because "we are in the same boat".
Prevention is critical and it must be taken seriously. Therefore, the use of free preventative measures is imperative and if someone wants to have a child that process has to be closely managed by a qualified health practitioner.
I think that we must initiate new creative and meaningful initiatives that will honour people, particularly the young, who must be encouraged and honoured for remaining uninfected.
In this day and age it is inexcusable, unacceptable and gross for anyone to be infected with HIV. Period.