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Moving towards the prevention of HIV/AIDS

On November 23rd, Pope Benedict XVI made a historical statement.

Commenting on a passage in his recently released book, he clarified that, in certain circumstances, condom use is acceptable, such as for HIV/AIDS infected partners. Because the Catholic Church has long held the opinion that condom use is an immoral form of birth control, similar to use of the pill or abortion, these statements are being celebrated by the HIV/AIDS community as a huge step forward.

Believed to have mutated from a similar virus found in primates, HIV (Human-immuno-deficiency-virus) first became prevalent in the 1980s. Back then, it was called GRIDS (Gay-related-immuno-deficiency-syndrome), and was surrounded by stigma and fear. The HIV/AIDS epidemic continues to infect and kill millions each year.

In their last report on the global HIV/AIDS epidemic, UNAIDS estimated that there were 33 million people living with HIV. This means that there are as more people suffering worldwide from HIV/AIDS than there are living in Canada.

HIV targets your immune system, weakening it and making it susceptible. As HIV destroys increasingly more white blood cells, it develops into AIDS. While medication can prolong this process, there is no known cure.

United Nations Millenium Development Goal (MDG) 6 demands that, by 2015, the spread of HIV/AIDS is halted and medication is available to all those infected. Two thirds of the way through the timeline given to complete the MDGs, and it is uncertain whether goal 6 will be attained.

This all said, however, the situation is drastically better than it was even a few years ago.

The amount of deaths caused by HIV/AIDS has decreased by 20% in the past ten years, and the amount of new infections has declined almost 20% in the last five years. And the recent statements from the Pope are sure to contribute to a further decline in numbers.

They also come at the perfect time, as World AIDS Day is on December 1st.

On this day, Vancouverites and youth wanting to take action against the spread of HIV/AIDS are invited to participate in one of the many city-wide events that raise awareness about the devastating disease.

Of particular note, are the multiple events hosted by Youthco, “Canada’s first youth-driven organization leading the HIV and Hep C movement through peer education, support, and shared leadership”. These include a Brunch for Benefits Sunday November 28th, where proceeds from various restaurants will go towards supporting HIV and Hepatitis C prevention, education and support programs for young people. In addition to this, Youthco will be holding an youth-focused, all ages event at Ironworks Studio on December 1st. This AIDS-day themed show starts at 7pm and entry is free.

The statements by the Pope are a huge step forward. Now it’s our turn to join the movement.