We all are aware of the HIV virus. Since the findingof the HIV virus by Luc Montagnier back in the 80's the virus has had a lot of publicity to promote social alertness . One of motives why HIV has been so tricky to control and eradicate is because there is a stigma attached to the illness. As having been formallyassociated with promiscuity, being gay and drug addiction. Most persons who knew that they were HIV positive kept their status hidden because of feelings of shame and fear of being rejected.
The world slowly started to change its opinion on HIV when more and more brave public figures started to come out and speak about their HIV status. More and more people in the western society started to see that it was not a condition which was experienced by a small group of people who lived 'wild lives'. As prominent figures started to give voice to this pandemic more and more people started to get tested.
Regrettably there are still many people in this world both in Western societies and other who are uneducated about HIV. There are also many false and superficial beliefs about HIV and AIDS, especially in Africa. There are some men who have the superstitious belief that having sex with a virgin will cure them of HIV and AIDS. Because of this belief many men are raping young girls so that they can be 'cured'. This act based on false information can only be eradicated with the proper education on HIV.
Another motive for the virus spreading out of control as it has is because thousands of people who suspect that they could be infected with HIV are afraid to get tested. Many fear the outcome so much that they prefer to not know their status than to know it. This fear is a major block in the treating of stopping of HIV as the infected people continue to infect others who do not have the virus. This is the perfect scenario in which ignorance is not bliss.
Throughout the years governments and organisations such as UNESCO has stressed the importance of education and getting tested. At schools young children are being taught about HIV, at clinics and hospitals people are being giving pamphlets about the disease and how to get treated. Testing stations have been put up in more and more places, so that it is convenient for people to get tested. It is important to point out that counselling is just as important before being tested for HIV and if tested positive after as well. I have been tested for HIV and was pretty sure I was negative. The test results did come back negative but the anxiety that one feels sitting there waiting for the results is nerve racking, although it did make me feel calmer when I spoke to the counsellor who explained everything to me.
The is good news and hope for those living with HIV and AIDS in that the life expectancy of those living with HIV and AIDS is increasing as the years go by. If you think that you have contracted HIV you have everything to gain by getting tested as soon as possible.
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