Straight talk about AIDS<\/p>\n
From Media Indonesia<\/p>\n
With information about HIV\/AIDS continuing to develop, it
\nwould certainly be naive of some people if they did not rid
\nthemselves of the myths about the virus and the ensuing syndrome.<\/p>\n
That was my impression from reading an article in the March 24
\nedition of Media Indonesia featuring AIDS \"Queen\" Nurul Arifin.
\nShe said, \"I am close to AIDS but I have not been infected. I am
\nlucky, I remain faithful to (my husband) Mayong\". Mentioned are a
\nnumber of things not directly related to HIV\/AIDS, i.e.
\nslenderness, closeness to AIDS and people.<\/p>\n
If Nurul's statement is heard by laymen or people enveloping
\nthemselves with morals, it will highly influence the efforts to
\nstep up awareness to protect themselves in order not to be
\ninfected with HIV.<\/p>\n
Some people feel safe if they are distant from AIDS, but
\ninfection may occur through transfusions of blood not screened
\nfor HIV or through the use of dirty syringes.<\/p>\n
Her statement implies that unfaithfulness leads to contracting
\nHIV. The truth is that even if one is faithful, if one's spouse
\nis already infected with HIV there will be infection if no
\npreventive measures are taken.<\/p>\n
It is time for us, and the media in particular, to think
\nclearly and discuss the HIV\/AIDS problem objectively and
\nrealistically without moral impediments. As long as reports on
\nHIV\/AIDS remain shrouded by moral values, the message to be
\nconveyed will not be objective. This in turn will not encourage
\npeople to be concerned about active endeavors of prevention.<\/p>\n
SYAIFUL W. HARAHAP<\/p>\n
E-mail:sw-harahap@mailcity.com<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/straight-talk-about-aids-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }