World AIDS day: The race against all odds

David & Joyce Djaelani Gordon, Contributor, Jakarta

The HIV/AIDS crisis throughout Indonesia is uncontrollably worsening. Factual data and information confirm the increased numbers of people infected with HIV this year. And according to reliable indicators, not predictions, next year, 2004, will be even more horrific concerning the escalation of the HIV and AIDS epidemic.

Yet, in remembrance, it was just a few short years ago Indonesia was considered "low prevalence" with HIV/AIDS. But today those words echo off into silence, and are replaced by the world's leading health organizations, which now rate Indonesia, along with China, India and Russia, as "high prevalence" for HIV infections, and as a "concentrated epidemic" affecting certain groups of people.

At Yayasan Kita, Drug Recovery Center and Community in Ciawi, Bogor, "concentrated epidemic" are words that represent people, people living with HIV and AIDS within our community.

Each day now we find another person who is infected. We know, intimately, many young men and women that are presently living with HIV; we know increasing numbers of individuals that are now taking antiretroviral medications because HIV has become AIDS; we witness an ever increasing number of individuals who are dying, and we remember the names and faces of those that have died.

This year the chosen theme for World AIDS day is Stigma and Discrimination, which is, in truthfulness, well-founded, as people living with HIV and AIDS are often forced to live a life of secluded and endured secrecy so much of the time.

Many are categorized as "marginalized people", meaning they are downgraded by prejudicial people as lower parts of human society: prostitutes/immoral beings/unfaithful in marriage, gay, drug addicts/junkies, criminals.

Then they are further marginalized, stigmatized and discriminated against by finding insurmountable difficulties in obtaining what would be considered (normal) educational opportunities, medical attention and service, therapeutic assistance, fair employment opportunities, adequate housing and living accommodations, and having what would be considered common relationships with people.

Today, whether we look at those who have HIV and AIDS, or those with HIV and AIDS look at us, we all fear so much of the known and the unknown. We stigmatize and discriminate against them; they stigmatize and discriminate against us.

Many circle around this and that group, accusing, condemning, criticizing, so many are engulfed by fear, distrust, resentment, prejudice, segregation -- all of which can do nothing other than keep so many of us apart and pitted against one another. As long as we are parted, for whatever reasons, true of false, the virus wins. We, humanity, lose!

Stigma and discrimination are both contagious; both are a huge asset, a wonderful ally for a smart virus. Both assist the virus to increase itself faster, further and deeper throughout all groups, all classes, all age groups, all religions, and all areas of our Indonesian population.

From the government and NGOs to law and law enforcement, to religion, throughout our entire school and educational institutions, to the medical, health and welfare community, to business and to our general population, "all" focus on three factors: education, training, and peer involvement and support.

Yet, at the same time, what "all" ask for is what remains lacking. We are hampered by coexisting crises, the lack of education, trained and experienced specialists and experts, health and medical hospitals and facilities, doctors and nurses, practitioners and resources, peer outreach and support workers, and programs focused on addressing HIV/AIDS and corelated issues.

We are also, so reality bears witness to, under the influences of corruptors and corruption, drug syndicates, traffickers and dealers, the lust and greed for money, by naivete, stigma and discrimination, by young people's chase for fun and excitement, youthful pursuit of sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll, and we are manipulated by the shadow of malu (shame).

Malu, which is directly associated with HIV and AIDS, with drug abuse and addiction, sexual acting out, crime and violence -- within one's own family -- all which create malu, a deeply felt guilt and shame that has power and control to keep people from asking and seeking help, of admitting there is this kind of problem within the family.

Yet, as smart as the HIV/AIDS virus appears, it has not outsmarted us, it has maneuvered and attacked at two of our most vulnerable human weaknesses: fun and sex. And it continues to attack and conquer in these areas, as we, humans, remain so openly exposed.

True, the dilemma, the crisis and complexity of HIV and AIDS exist, stigma and discrimination exist, enormous co-obstacles drug abuse, crime and violence exist, so does the ability and knowledge to make change exist. HIV/AIDS will not be denied or neglected, and whether we choose to face these issues or not, face them we must.

2004 should be devoted to a year of education, training, peer support and the personal committed involvement of mothers and fathers. We, each of us, can make a difference.

Stigma can also mean something to overcome, and discrimination can also mean determination.

HIV/AIDS, stigma and discrimination, then means something we are determined to overcome.

David & Joyce Djaelani Gordon are directors of Yayasan Harapan Permata Hati Kita in Ciawi, Bogor