Beware, AIDS is stalking us
HIV & AIDS: Interkoneksi Global By Elizabeth Reid Published by Yayasan Obor Indonesia Jakarta 1995 XXXIII + 237 pages
KETAPANG, West Kalimantan (JP): Over the years many books have been written about the HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, and AIDS itself. This publication is different.
The stories were contributed by writers from North and South America as well as Africa and Asia. Some of the works were written by HIV-infected authors while the rest came from authors combating HIV and AIDS in their respective countries. Some of the names are Herbert Daniel from Brazil, Patricia Burke from Jamaica, Marvellous M. Mhloyi from Zimbabwe, Theresia J. Kaijage from Tanzania, Hata from Thailand, Nick Deocampo from the Philippines and Shyamla Nataraj from India.
The book points out mistaken beliefs held by the public and questionable morality. It also tells of power and how it is implemented, of sex discrimination and socioeconomic stratification.
The book was published just as the swelling number of HIV cases have become a real cause for concern and prompt action. The reader is informed about how HIV and AIDS are spread and of their devastating power. The virus can destroy marriages and family relationships while ostracizing the infected persons. Increased impoverishment may be experienced when AIDS strikes a country or nation, regardless of its affluence. No words can be found for the grief it can bring.
However, aside from the negative effects, the book informs the reader that positive aspects often emerge. The virus is known to have enhanced human traits like courage, affection, love, commitment, intelligence, solidarity, and self-assuredness. The condition also fosters will power and initiative in infected and healthy persons.
What is AIDS really? Why does it frighten everyone? What happens when someone gets infected with the HIV?
Most of us know that AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is the result of an HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection. The virus attacks a white blood cell, lymphocyte T4, which looks after one's immune system.
The virus multiplies rapidly and pounces on the healthy lymphocytes. When the blood cells are nearly drained, the body succumbs easily to all sorts of infections. Even bacteria that normally pose no danger could prove lethal in a person who has developed AIDS. An infected person, therefore, has to be extremely careful.
HIV and AIDS are believed to have existed for 10 years in Indonesia. While concern is more evident now, a national effort to deal with the problem has yet to materialize. Endeavors have been limited to appeals and warnings in the form of ads, TV interviews and messages in the media. If left alone, HIV and AIDS could bring about great losses and jeopardize the development of the nation. Surely we would not want to make the same mistakes as other countries in handling the problem.
The book is an eye-opener that focuses the reader's attention on a complex issue. In our fight against the HIV, the book says that we should never lose our objectivity and always maintain a positive and human touch. Time is of utmost importance in checking the spread of the virus, for a relaxed attitude or apathy could ultimately spell disaster for the nation.
-- Amon Stefanus