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Reactions to the Nevirapine Petition
Women
and AIDS Support Network (WASN)
By Chenai Penduka
December 31, 2002
Ignorance is said to be bliss but in light of recent experiences,
I must say, "Ignorance shall be the downfall of mankind."
Trying to find
a solution to curb and control the spread of HIV/AIDS is received
by the public with a variety of mixed reactions. The week 25- 29th
November 2002 was nothing short of eventful as I went collecting
signatures for the WASN petition, which was part of the campaign
for access to Nevirapine at all health centres by December 01, 2002.
Members of the
public are diverse in various aspects, such as their color, creed
and beliefs, among other differences. These differences become even
more pronounced in their reactions on issues concerning the HIV/AIDS
pandemic.
While some people
are genuinely ignorant but willing to learn more and take part in
helping come up with positive solutions, others deliberately choose
to wear blinkers and tell themselves that this disease does not
exist, despite the evidence that surrounds them.
These were some
of the reactions that characterized the Nevirapine campaign. While
some were supportive of the cause, others refused flatly and their
reasons ranged from religion to politics.
Those who hid
behind religious cloak claimed that it was morally wrong to support
the cause. Others were quick to associate the cause with politics,
claiming that any attempt to force Government to speed up a process
such as availing Nevirapine to the intended beneficiaries was linked
to the opposition.
It is sad to
note the extent to which denial has blinded so many hundreds of
people and for which thousands more lives shall be lost.
For me, this
week was a rude awakening to the harsh reality that amidst all efforts
by so many people and organizations to bring to light the devastating
extent to which people’s social, economic and political forums are
being ruined by this disease, it is only up until people decide
to be more open minded and positive towards this global disaster
of epic proportion that we shall see more positive results being
yielded from all of mankind’s efforts.
Visit the WASN
fact
sheet
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