Now the disease itself is not a human rights concern. True, the HIV epidemic is devastating, but we can't charge the virus with human rights violations. What is a human rights concern is the lack of preventative measures, as well as treatment for those infected, the world over. Secondly, the stigma of being HIV positive is still a source of major discrimination. And that is definitely a human rights concern.
In order to help with the discrimination problem, the World AIDS Day Official Website has a list of link. I'm going to list some of them here.
HIV is spread through bodily fluids, specifically blood, semen, vaginal fluids and breast milk. You can not catch HIV by touching, hugging, or even kissing someone who is infected. The most common ways of spreading the disease are through unprotected sex (any kind of sexual activity, including vaginal, anal, and oral), sharing needles, and from mother to child in pregnancy or breastfeeding. So clearly, the best ways to protect yourself from getting infected is to always use condoms when having sex. Never, ever share needles. I'm also going to throw in the propagandistic "just don't do drugs" period. Then you don't have to worry about infected needles. Don't fret about hospitals and needles-- they always sterilize. And if they don't, you can sue them.
link, the United Nations agency combating the disease, says that "The risk of HIV infection and its impact feeds on violations of human rights, including discrimination against women and marginalized groups such as sex workers, people who inject drugs and men who have sex with men. HIV also frequently begets human rights violations such as further discrimination and violence... Protecting human rights and promoting public health are mutually reinforcing."
There are many countries whose discriminatory laws contribute to the spread of the disease. Some examples include laws prohibiting consensual homosexuality and impeding access to birth control. Some nations disallow access to condoms and needles for prison inmates. With needles and condoms in short supply, they use what they can get, or find ways around it. Countries use residency status and border control to keep prevention and care services away.
The so-called "virgin myth," or the idea that sex with a virgin can cure AIDS, has contributed to thousands of child rapes in South Africa. Not only do they endure rape, these children are also infected, and often impregnated with their rapist's child. This leads to higher HIV positive births.
"The protection of human rights," says UNAIDS, "both of those vulnerable to infection and those already infected, is not only right, but also produces positive public health results against HIV." UNAIDS is working to improve and protect human rights, in order to help stop the spread of AIDS, and treat infected persons. It's laws and social attitudes that stand in the way of universal access to treatment and care.
This is a lot of work. But you can do something for people infected with AIDS in your own community, and do your part to dispel the stigma against those infected. If you want to volunteer, link is an excellent website that will tell you of volunteer opportunities in your area.
If you don't have the time to volunteer, then simply remember this: People infected with HIV or AIDS are not bad people. They are not necessarily gay or drug addicts, but even if they are, they're still human beings and deserve your love and support. Heterosexuals and people who have never touched a drug in their lives can also be HIV positive. You will not catch the virus by hugging them, or touching them, or even kissing them. They are no better or worse than you are. Remember that, and spread it. Because even in the "Western World," there is a social stigma that needs to be eradicated, and you can do your part to do that.
