We all are aware of the HIV virus. Ever since the discoveryof 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 the reasons why HIV has been so tricky to control and eradicate is because there is a negative connotation attached to the illness. As having been formallyassociated with promiscuity, being gay and drug addiction. Mostpeople 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.
Unfortunately there are some places in the world which have a majority of people who are still uneducated about this condition. In Africa for example, there is the mistaken beliefs that HIV and AIDS can be cured in ways which boils down to superstition. Some men who are inflicted with HIV believe that if they sleep with virgins they will be cured of the virus and many virgin girls are being raped because of this belief.
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.
Governments and non profit organisations have stressed the significance of education and knowing your HIV status. At schools children are being taught about HIV and at clinics and hospitals people are being giving pamphlets about the disease and how to get tested and treated. The private sector has also gotten on board in bringing more awareness to the pandemic. Testing stations have been put up at various venues, so that it is easy for people to get tested. Another aspect of getting tested is the pre and post counselling. The person needs to be prepared for the possibility that they could be HIV positive and have people close by who can give them the proper guidance and support should they test positive.
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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