UNTIL NOW our political leaders have failed to take a lead role in tackling the AIDS crisis that has been affecting mostly young and productive members of society. It is true that our national HIV/AIDS programme is highly regarded internationally; but this scientific component needs the impetus of political leadership to tackle the crux of the problem: a change in popular lifestyles.
Last July in Durban, Nelson Mandela made an urgent plea for politicians to break the silence, banish stigmas and discrimination and ensure total inclusiveness in the struggle against AIDS. Although late in coming and short on specifics, one must welcome the Government's announcement of plans to mount a vigorous campaign to tame the AIDS crisis.
Admittedly AIDS is a lifestyle disease and the callous among us may say the victims deserve their afflictions. But this is a public health matter and government ought to play the lead role in treatment and prevention efforts.
The Government's announcement coincides with reports from epidemiologists that AIDS mortality is on the decline as persons diagnosed in 1984 with the disease were given 11 months to live while the survival time for persons diagnosed in 1995 was put at 46 months.
The declines of course are among populations which can afford the expensive anti-retroviral drugs. And the fact that people are living longer with the disease means there is more opportunity for the virus to spread.
It may take generations to eradicate AIDS and the effort calls for vast sums of money and inclusiveness. Forget the stigma that AIDS is a homosexual disease, enough heterosexuals have been afflicted to get everyone worried. The Government must take the lead while seeking full participation from civil society, organisations, the private sector, youth groups, the medical fraternity, trade unions and the Church.
The opinions on this page, except for the above, do not necessarily reflect the views of The Gleaner.
