World AIDS day: The race against all odds

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