We are finishing the first week of December, marking awareness of the HIV/Aids campaign throughout the world.
This is a clear attempt at solidarity with those who are infected or affected somehow by the disease. I however confidently believe that the pandemic has been taking its physical or emotional toll on society in general, irrespective of whether or not you’re infected or affected.
You are a human being who is concerned about life and about people, so this touches you.
What really troubles me the most is that the message of awareness is not achieving expected results. As a Church, one of our main messages is abstain and be faithful. People hear this all the time but do not heed it in their minds and hearts. So the pandemic continues to destroy families, to create orphans, to steal hope and joy from the young.
What else can we do? What is missing that the government, institutions, churches and other organisations are not doing?
Honestly, I am sure more can be done but it does not mean that we are not doing anything. What I also believe is that each one of us, in our individual capacity, needs to take full responsibility for our own life.
HIV/Aids does exist. It is claiming lives and it is up to you and me to stop it. I appeal to all women to take their rightful place in this campaign and above all to value themselves, their bodies, their health and their lives.
Think about tomorrow bringing a bright future where it’s worth waiting for sex to take place when you’re married. Test yourself and your partner before entering into a relationship and be faithful to your partner.
Think about open lines of communication with your children. Protect yourself and your family. If you are infected, prioritise your health and do everything in your power to follow a positive lifestyle. You have to take a stand by encouraging others, being supportive of those infected and affected and living your life in such a way that you will not end up as one of the Aids statistics.
Marcia Pires