More Solidarity, Less Indifference

Ivon Cuervo - Posted on September 24, 2010

The social reality of the spread of HIV and AIDS, urges us to be prepared to fight it. But, as this problem gets closer, it also forces us to understand that it is everyone’s duty to love and not discriminate against people already living with the virus.

In 2007, the Joint Program of the United Nations on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) estimated that in Colombia there was approximately 172,000 people, between 15 and 49, living with HIV and AIDS. Faced with this local reality and the knowledge of the international scope of the disease, World Vision commemorates The World Day to Combat AIDS on December 1, and constantly generates training processes for the prevention of HIV infections in Colombia.

As a part of the prevention and education process directed to the community, World Vision develops workshops in each city where the organization works in Colombia to talk about this pandemic, how to get rid of the myths about people living with HIV and AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, as well as promoting human rights, and teaching community members how to come alongside of people living with or affected by HIV and AIDS.

Health professionals lead workshops which address concerns such as: What are the ways in which you can get the virus? What are the institutions that can provide support to those infected and their families? And, how can we contribute to the respectful relationship with people living with HIV and AIDS?

This work is articulated with campaigns that are performed by certain Government entities, including public schools and hospitals. "At school I have been told about HIV and AIDS. We need to know about this topic in order to take care of ourselves. [And], although what the media promotes most is the use of condoms, my decision is abstinence, to start sexual life after marriage," says Olga, 16.

Alcira, 39, is a World Vision Health Promoter in her community. She and her son, Roger, attended an educational workshop on HIV and AIDS. "I came with my son, because it is very important for him to learn how to care for himself and to think about his future," says Alcira.

Making a quick assessment of what he sees in his community, Roger, 19, affirmed: "Today we see that young people do not want to protect themselves and do not think about the consequences of having sex lightly."

The responsible dissemination of information and joint efforts between pharmaceutical companies, governments, and the general public are key actions to provide greater attention to this problem that affects us all. World Vision Colombia is especially focused on education because being informed is a first line of defense.

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