Pearson Maringwa
The progress achieved in the fight against HIV and AIDS could easily be undermined if people are not provided with timely and accurate information about the realities surrounding this disease. For those living with HIV, understanding the current landscape is crucial.
As someone who has lived with HIV for over three decades, I know the profound challenges that accompany this diagnosis. I have experienced the frustration of visiting local clinics only to find that essential medications are unavailable. I understand the fear that comes with missing a dose of ARVs and the uncertainty of when the next supply will be accessible.
It is imperative that authorities and health personnel communicate the true status of HIV and AIDS to those living with the virus. Knowledge empowers individuals, enabling them to navigate their circumstances more effectively. For those of us diagnosed in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when antiretroviral therapy (ART) was non-existent, it was essential to rely on the information available at the time to foster resilience.
While pandemics and epidemics have often come and gone, the HIV and AIDS crisis has persisted. The ongoing struggle can largely be attributed to the lack of accurate information disseminated at the right time. As the saying goes, “knowledge is power,” and there is an urgent need to continually empower communities with the facts surrounding HIV.
Since the early to mid-1980s, there has been a significant amount of misinformation, disinformation, and even the withholding of vital information regarding HIV. This has contributed to confusion and unnecessary suffering among those living with the virus. Recently, the abrupt withdrawal of HIV medication and related services by the U.S. government has left many individuals in a state of panic, exacerbating feelings of hopelessness.
The most vulnerable populations, particularly those from rural and marginalised communities, are often in the dark about the current situation. Many of these individuals are primarily focused on obtaining their next supply of life-saving ARVs and may not fully grasp the implications of political decisions, such as those made by American President Donald Trump, that directly affect their lives.
This knowledge gap highlights the crucial role that community support groups can play in providing accurate and timely information to people living with HIV. The unexpected withdrawal of U.S. aid for HIV mitigation services created significant confusion, leaving the entire programme in disarray.
Effective information dissemination is vital at this juncture. Empowering individuals with accurate information enables them to face their circumstances with greater understanding and resilience. Currently, many people living with HIV are aware of the difficulties in accessing ARVs but lack insights into the reasons behind this unavailability. They deserve clarity regarding when – or if – the situation will improve.
If we fail to address the need for accurate information, we may witness a tragic rise in stress-related deaths among those affected. The Bible reminds us in Hosea, “My people are perishing for lack of knowledge,” which underscores the critical importance of information.
To address this urgent need, the National AIDS Council and the Ministry of Health and Child Care need to actively engage with communities, using support groups to educate people about the current state of HIV and AIDS. By doing so, we can mitigate the fear and uncertainty surrounding this disease and empower those affected to lead healthier and more informed lives.
New Ziana
