Notes from the Cape

Today is world AIDS day. Now, while we are constantly being bombarded with messages as to how serious AIDS is, and how many people are dying from it, and how to prevent it, the message still never seems to sink in. So, there are three things that I feel very strongly about which I would like to share.

Firstly, AIDS is a killer, millions of productive people are dying of AIDS, leaving gaps in economies, and even more so, leaving thousands of young orphans behind. Nowhere is this more prevalent than in Africa.  So, please open your hearts and made a difference.

Secondly, AIDS is not limited to certain population groups. You don’t only get AIDS in Africa, you don’t have to be gay to get AIDS, and you don’t have to be a prostitute or drug user to get AIDS. Today, it affects every population demographic in the world. Yes, you can get if from a one night stand, so ABC. (Abstain-Be Faithful-Use Condoms).

Finally, you cannot catch AIDS by being near a person who has AIDS or is HIV positive. You cannot catch AIDS by holding somebody’s hand, or by hugging them. So when (not if) you come into contact with somebody who has AIDS, reach out, hold their hand, and let them know that they are not alone.