Talk about it

FROM ISSUE # 156 (December 2008) | IN THIS ISSUE
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December reminds me of the last day of school: no nagging teachers to deal with, no more assignments and rules. But at the same time, there is nostalgia: for all the things that will never be the same again. It is like the orange sky at dusk, reflecting the beauty of the day that was while welcoming its end. December is the time to recount and recall the days gone by, and anticipate the ones that lie ahead. If the first of January brings you hope for tomorrow, December reminds you of the happiness of bountiful yesterday.

In many ways, this December is no different from the ones that have passed by: the ritual of ruminating is the same but we could make it different if we want to as the world celebrates the 20th anniversary of World AIDS day on 1 December. World AIDS day serves to recognise the heroic efforts of all those who've worked hard to combat the disease while at the same time, also nudging the world to sit up and pay attention. We, as individuals and as part of a group, can easily make a difference in the battle against the virus by simply talking about it. Ignoring, shying away or hush-hushing the topic won't make it go away and neither will it stop this global epidemic that has maximum effect on the age group of 15-49 in Nepal. Better understanding and the spread of information are instrumental in reducing the effects of HIV.

Let us open up our minds a little, help create an environment where those infected with HIV feel secure enough to come out and speak out and thus, get treatment. The medical world is evolving rapidly and evolving right alongside it are different ways to control, if not completely, cure the dreaded disease. So talk about it, explain it to your friends and question. The bigger the buzz, the more people will be careful. That's a small but definitely a significant step towards fighting the disease.
 
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