Just a quick rundown of my (probably insignificant) views on the matter to get it out of head so that I can concentrate on my studying.
The issue sparked my interest in writing because I had previously done a presentation on HIV, though on the scientific part.
According to Health Promotion Board (Singapore), more than 50% of the immediate families of HIV+ patients are unwilling to care for them. 80% of those surveyed are uncomfortable with coming into contact with HIV+ patient even though they are aware of that they will not be infected by the virus this way.
The cause of it: ignorance and social stigma.
A matter of fact is that “to err is human”. For a portion even, they are innocent. They were infected by the virus via blood transfusions, babies from their mother during delivery or wives from their husbands who are practicing promiscuous sex.
As analogues, why is it that smokers who develop lung cancer as a result of their smoking not faulted by the society? Why are type II diabetic patients who develop the disease due to their inability to control their diet not discriminated against?
So why should AIDS be only form of chronic disease that is being viewed in a different light?
Can you imagine the emotional burden that is already weighing them down?
On top of that, due to discrimination from callous employers, majority of them have to struggle with the medical bill on a non-existent pay cheque for their whole lives. There is no cure for AIDS as of yet and they have to be on medication (a combination to stop viral replication and to prevent opportunistic infections) for their whole lives.
And worst of all, their families are very often unwillingly victimized as well.
Why are we exacerbating their situation?
I have to admit that even I myself might take some time to change my opinion of AIDS patients completely but I do hope that the social stigma can be removed and that more support can be given to them in the near future.
Treat others the way that you would like to be treated.