Blog 8 HIV/AIDS

This week I feel a little bit energized, since I had a week off from turning anything in. I am really enjoying this class, because every assignment is very informative and helps me understand this disease. I never thought this course could be so intensive. I am glad I took it though!

I rented the movie "Philadelphia". No I have not watched it, because my son misplaced it! Ugh. I plan to watch it soon. I am excited that this week the assignment due is a bit different. We actually have a quiz. I have been reading the modules and like always they are extremely informative. I love it. I love the way the details help me understand HIV/AIDS.

So this week, I am learning about all the misconceptions attached to HIV. While reading the slides, I came across to a big issue that people still think this is a form of punishement.

"Many people believe that this virus is God's punishment for a particular lifestyle" (Douglass,slide 3).

I thought this is such a lie!!! This is a way to make people believe that they are not a child of God. This makes me remember the statment Bono made. He said that God did not judge and for us no to judge those who are his children. This is a powerful statement. For those who believe in a higher power I urge you to remember that everyone of us is part of creation. We should not discriminate!

DYK: In the news, Russian has been talking about having a new strategy against HIV/AIDS. There is one statement that struck me the most and it was how Russian wants to start treating addicts. "AIDS specialists meeting here say Russia should use methadone treatment and other so-called harm reduction strategies, saying HIV may be moving from addicts, sex workers and gay men into the general population" (Associated Press, 2009). This basically ensures that drug transmission is reduced. When I say drug transmission I basically think that a large portion of the sex workers are drug users. This ensures that these sex workers are treated for their addiction and helps them start to get on their feet and reduce prostitution.

"UNAIDS executive director Michel Sidibe said methadone has proven effective elsewhere and that, despite progress, Russia was in the midst of a surge in heterosexual transmission that could break out into the larger population" (Associated Press, 2009).

I think Russian has jumped on the bandwagon a bit late. I think that this is a very good idea, because it controls a way of transmission.