AIDS awareness in Colombia
Colombia Politics spent the weekend promoting AIDS awareness in Colombia, joining forces with the UN, the Presidency, and the Ministry of Health among others, to support the Sexualizatic initiative, 48 Horas Por La Vida, marking World AIDS Day.
A team of volunteers worked nonstop for 48 hours beginning midnight Friday to report on and analyze worldwide HIV AIDS campaigns. The programme is the first of its kind in Colombia and the hope is that it will empower Colombia´s current – and future – community leaders in their fight to reduce discrimination and increase understanding of the illness.
After a few hours rest, Colombia Politics´ editor has had time to reflect on the event, and has been reminded of the change in attitude towards HIV AIDS in his own country, the UK.
As the editor entered adolescence the tragic death of Freddie Mercury was announced, shaking the country, and much of the world. The Queen singer was a much loved national treasure and the circumstances surrounding his untimely departure provoked a period of societal introspection.
It is difficult to believe now, but very few people knew Freddie was gay (yes, looking back it was more than obvious), and even fewer that he had AIDS. It was something, especially in the reserved early 90s Britain, that was simply not discussed. His sexuality and his suffering became public property only after his death.
The following two decades have been marked by hard hitting campaigns to get the Brits to open up, to be AIDS aware and judgement free. The message of safe sex is now heard in the Churches, the schools, the teenage magazines, and television programmes. Prejudice, fear and tabu remain, but the Britain of today is much more open, honest and frank.
As Freddie might have said, however, the show must go on; the campaign must not relent for the sake of this and future generations. Colombia Politics was therefore delighted and honoured to take part in Sexualizatic´s special event. Over the weekend the editor was interviewed by a number of radio channels here in Colombia, as well as interviewing the tireless campaigner Lisa Power of the Terrance Higgins Trust, and reporting on World AIDS Day events held across the English speaking world.
However small our contribution has been, we hope that the team behind 48 Horas Por La Vida can help develop the tools and skills necessary for Colombia´s campaigners to continue the fight against a disease that has cost the life of over 25 million souls in 30 years.
Today´s treatment ensures those who live with HIV can enjoy a long and happy life. But prevention is always better than the cure.