The Global Pandemic of HIV

N. Wright-Jegede
SisterLove, Inc Intern

Across many countries, the HIV/AIDS pandemic is an issue of major concern. Worldwide, the virus has become a human, social, political and economic misfortune for millions of individuals. While the nation-states of Sub-Saharan Africa have been hit the hardest by this devastating epidemic, the virus has increased at a staggering rate, across many parts of Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and Russia. The adversative impact of HIV/AIDS has caused the stability and security of populations, economies and governments to destabilize. As the virus continues to deter the quality and quantity of life, global policies and strategies which prevent HIV/AIDS remain a matter of vital interest and concern. No other illness has so vividly pointed-out the current inequalities in health-care access, economic stability, and the protection of human rights. Protecting one’s basic human right is extremely critical in the global fight against HIV. Sadly enough, the transgressions against individual rights can propel the spread of infection tenfold. Every day, HIV infected-individuals confront many obstacles, such as: achieving assured confidentiality or, overcoming social stigma and discrimination.

Therefore, responding assertively to these adversities must be global in its scope. Preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS requires effective comprehensive strategies and programs that work to safeguard and uphold individual human rights. However, these pivotal changes will not transpire if the information and skills needed to fight HIV/AIDS remains inside the sphere of public health experts; government officials and, researchers presently driving efforts to eradicate the pandemic. These endeavors can only emerge through the collective action of international partnerships, which can harvest positive results. In order to become effective in the global eradication against HIV, a comprehensive HIV prevention strategy requires strong political leadership. This means, policymakers and world-leaders in all localities must speak-out vocally about HIV/AIDS and, not back away from challenging issues like sex or reproductive health. A successful response requires strategic planning based upon high quality research, and careful consideration of local culture. We should all take action in the response, including non-governmental organizations, HIV-positive individuals, educators, employers and religious leaders. Around the world, efforts to reduce HIV, and mitigate its impact have been led by the affected communities themselves. The epidemic thrives upon prejudice, stigma, and discrimination related to those living with the virus. The spread of HIV is also driven by gender inequality, which limits what we can do as women to protect ourselves from infection. Protecting and promoting a worldwide respect for human rights should be an important part of any comprehensive HIV prevention program. Of course, this involves enacting laws against various forms of stigma and discrimination which impels vulnerability. Get active! It’s time to talk with our legislators. Policymakers need to be well-informed about the reality of HIV/AIDS, and the challenges it has created worldwide.