I want to say a couple things about the fact that today is World's AIDS Day. AIDS was first recognized by the CDC in 1981 which means this year is the 30th anniversary. AIDS has killed more than 25 million people between 1981 and 2007. In 2007 the UN estimated that 33.2 million people have AIDS. Seventy-Six percent of AIDS infections are in Sub-Saharan Africa and for me one of the most staggering statistics is that AIDS has resulted in 14 million orphaned children in southern Africa alone. 14 million orphans.
The AIDS infection rate in Guatemala isn't terribly high but it does account for 1/6 of the cases in Central America. There was a fair in the park in Nebaj this morning and I made a couple posters at the office yesterday and put them up. One explaining ways in which you cannot get AIDS (kissing, toilet seats, food, etc.) and the other simply saying "If you're going to have sex, use a condom" with a joyful little condom caricature below it. It's not my project but it's something I think is very important and I'm proud to do whatever I can to support the cause. I'm passionate about many causes but to know me you should know that HIV/AIDS is something that I care most deeply about. Especially stopping discrimination.
I remember working at Harris Teeter and I was outside talking to a coworker while waiting to load bags into customers cars. This individual could be fun to joke with, he's a friendly enough guy but we aren't on the same page as far as social and political views go. He went to Liberty University and unfortunately fits into the stereotype of the narrow-thinking individuals that university produces. We were outside shooting the shit and I mentioned that I would like to do AIDS work in Africa. His response was Why? He told me that AIDS exists for a reason and that reason is to punish sinners. This was one of THE most insensitive things I have ever heard another person utter. At first I was shocked and then really pissed off. I should have laid into the prick but I didn't. It was a horrible thing but something good came from it because it propelled my passion for the cause. (Most of us) have come a long way since 1981 as far as awareness and for that we should be proud but we can always do more. That is all.
