World AIDS day
Today is World AIDS Day. I feel like I have talked in the past a lot about HIV/AIDS in poor countries. For now I want to talk about the rising rates of HIV infection in the West. I just read an article over at Forbes, talking about the rising rates of infection primarily among men who have sex with men in the US. It is clear that more unprotected sex is occurring among young people. The article suggests it’s because the effects of HIV/AIDS are seemingly less visible because of antiretrovirals and also that the profile of HIV has dropped in the public sphere.
In Australia the number of infections has risen 31% over the last six years, and the growth is not confined to men who have sex with men.
The Australian has an interesting article discussing Australia’s early response to the HIV epidemic hitting Australia. Whilst I knew about the Grim Reaper ads I didn’t know that some health professionals setup illegal needle exchange programs. I wish it wasn’t showing on a Tuesday night.
I think the federal election sadly has buried most of the stories on World AIDS day this year in Australia, which is a shame. I struggled to find anything in the SMH about HIV today. Hopefully that will be fixed later today, because it is an important story.
December 1st, 2007 at 2:52 pm
I went to a World Aids Day BBQ yesterday. A women named Michelle who has HIV shared her story with us. It was really moving and inspiring hearing about her journey of coming close to death and then finding life again. She wants to go and work overseas with other people with HIV/AIDS but if she does then she won’t be able to get the drugs she needs. I thank God that we here in Australia can supply her drugs at reasonable prices but feel frustrated that the same can not be offered in other places. God I really pray for drug companies and governments to have compassion in this area.
December 3rd, 2007 at 12:19 pm
I would be interested to know how much that rise has to do with the having of funding to sexual health.
December 4th, 2007 at 3:06 pm
Gem I’ve read a fair bit on this issue. It is filled with all kinds of interesting claims on both sides. The issue of patents and generic drugs is quite interesting in this respect.
I wonder too Emily. It is quite possibly a factor.
December 5th, 2007 at 12:23 pm
Good on you David for doing your bit to keep the issue in people’s minds. I think Mil is right that in Australia so many programs directed to reducing HIV spread have been cut which contributes to the recent rise. It’s all political. People aren’t getting so upset about it any more. I also think the familiarity factor leads to complacency. i think the sexual politics surrounding it all is interesting.