The Reality...

Posted by: kimthanh

This is what AIDS has done to this child, and like so many in Africa it is invading at an extraordinary rate that there will so many more who die because we (me, you, us, them) could not save them in time.

Mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles all affected in ways that is punishable only by death. Particularly for those in rural areas of Africa, where water, food, electricity and trained, medical personnel and ARV's are all but available to these most unfortunate people.

AIDS is slowly gaining success in the larger regions of Africa and that is wonderful news, but it will be years before it can reach truly all that are in need of the drugs to help delay the speed of which one dies and perhaps remain alive if treated early on, the food that is necessary to take along with the much needed medication.

If we look back at the America's history when HIV/AIDS first came on the scene of our society, we were much in denial, it was considered a plague to most, it was the 'others' issue, it was a gay person's issue, it then became a matter on the American conscience. Then money and support came at a very rapid rate, once it was better understood. But we've had an immense advantage over those countries who are and have been struggling with HIV/AIDS for many years already. In many of these countries, much of the spread of HIV/AIDS has affected much of the rural areas, where medical and food and supplies are difficult to attain due to conditions of poverty and resources. In America, the land of milk and honey, as Mrs. Malunga stated in a letter to our two friends, D and C, that we have had a wealth of resources to find ways to fight this horrible disease. Unlike much of the rest of the world.

So, it is not fair to say that Africans, East indians, Spaniards, Haitians deserve what they got, HIV/AIDS. Because if that is what it is all about, America also truly got what it deserved, but to say that is like omitting the rest of the world. Because as humanity, we have all made some horrible decisions that have caused a world-wide epidemic and continue to make decisions that cost lives, not only our own. But unlike America, the other nations have little or no resources to receive and deal with the crisis at hand. So, why aren't more Americans concerned and doing mored to help these nations in this pandemic? I believe we are afraid. We are more concerned with our own lives, and also believe that many Americans feel that these other nations need to take care of their own. But then you ask the question of HOW? How are they to do that? Why can't America and the other wealthy nations help also? Go beyond the initial giving of our dollars? Why not lend our expertise, our connections with pharmaceutical companies, our status, our power?

The G8 was a great starter, but I think it seems like it maybe running out of steam. Perhaps it's not so much the people, as it is the enormity of the task ahead currently and the future. But I think it also has to do with the political games that end up being played for some damn reason or another. Why can't it be more simpler than we make it out to be?
Getting help that is and putting the money where it was stated it would be designated? What is so difficult about it? Is there really that much corruption within the wealthy nations that we are all unable to do the right thing and proportion the money where it need go? And the legal system be led without a hitch? Is it truly that impossible? I just don't understand. Perhaps I am naive. It wouldn't be the first time, nor the last. But more than anything, I think I am just too idealistic for the matters of the world. Me and thousands of others, I'm sure.

I am doing what I can, by getting truly involved in the cause of Africa, but hope not to end there most certainly, but include Vietnam, India, Haiti, Brazil, etc. It just can't stop with the last destination, because there will always be others in need of something. And as long as I have breath and passion for others, I want so much to be used in these lives in whatever way possible that I can.

I don't want to be simply a donator of my dollars, I want to envelope myself within all of these peoples I have spoken of. Until I take my last breath...