AIDS at 30: Still a lot of work to do
Monday, November 28, 2011
Brenda Tirado Torres
I am a person affected by AIDS: I lost my brother to the disease 11 years ago, and after witnessing the courage with which he lived the seven short years from his diagnosis with HIV until his very untimely death, I decided that his journey could not have been in vain. A couple of years after he died, I began my personal and ministerial journey working for the people of God impacted by AIDS. Since then, God has blessed me with opportunities to learn and serve him through those who have been touched by the disease, and to share my experiences in Catholic AIDS ministry.
Perhaps you all are aware that 2011 marks the 30th anniversary of the AIDS pandemic. Much has been achieved in research and scientific advances in the past three decades. The once-fatal illness is now considered a chronic condition, much like diabetes, and many people with access to treatment have been able to live 20-plus years with the disease.
I celebrate the achievements, but I need to raise awareness about other issues surrounding AIDS in the United States, as society seems more aware of the AIDS crisis in other parts of the world.
The third decade of AIDS still presents us with some serious challenges in the U.S. Initially a problem in metropolitan cities, AIDS is now a threat to rural communities in this country. For several years now, the South has had the highest number of new HIV infections, the largest number of people living with AIDS, and the greatest number of AIDS-related deaths. Still, much of the funding is funneled to other parts of the country thanks to well-organized advocacy efforts by AIDS-service organizations in those regions. We need to make our elected officials in the South more aware about the need for more funding.
On the other hand, AIDS-related stigma has played a role in the lack of interest in a more balanced distribution of funds. Many legislators and their constituents still think of AIDS as a punishment instead of a public health crisis. The “There’s-no-AIDS-in-my-district/town/community/church” attitude of denial and complacency is costing many precious lives, specifically among the poor.
FIND OUT MORE
- Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami offers a Volunteer Friendship Ministry for people living with HIV/AIDS. To find out more, click here.
The financial crisis prevents low income, uninsured and underinsured persons from gaining access to life-saving HIV treatment under the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). Twelve states have already implemented waiting lists for these persons to be able to obtain treatment medication. Of the 12 states, seven are in the Southern region. During a private exchange with some Catholic AIDS ministers, the HIV/AIDS director from one of those states told us that the situation in his state was so dire, that people need to wait until someone dies so they can receive medication. Florida is one of those 12 states. Furthermore, three of South Florida’s four counties – Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach – are among the top 10 with the highest HIV infection rates in the country.
Without making too much noise, Catholic AIDS ministers remain steadfast in their response to AIDS. Their work is intense, with all too frequent lows that threaten them with burnout. But in his own wonderful way, God sprinkles the journey with gentle reminders and encouragement. I was recently surprised by the visit of two of Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity. We talked about the challenges and the changing face of AIDS; how the disease now affects more black and Hispanic women, the elderly and young people ages 13-24; and how we must remain steadfast in prayer and action to be a reflection of Jesus’ love and compassion among those who struggle because of the disease.
When we finished our conversation, one of them took a medal from a tiny plastic pouch, placed it in my hand and said, “I don’t give this to everyone, but I want you to have one. It was given to me by Mother Teresa.” I went speechless, trying to savor the sacredness of that moment when I felt commissioned once more in my ministry to serve my brothers and sisters affected by AIDS. As I received that gentle reminder, I remembered the words of the holy woman of Calcutta:
“At the end of our lives, we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made or how many great things we have done. We will be judged by ‘I was hungry and you gave me to eat. I was naked and you clothed me. I was homeless and you took me in.’ Hungry not only for bread, but hungry for love; naked not only for clothing, but naked of human dignity and respect; homeless not only for want of a room of bricks, but homeless because of rejection. This is Christ in distressing disguise.”
After 30 years of AIDS, God still entrusts us to one another.
Comments from readers
Thank you for all you do to serve your fellowman. I am so thankful that you continue to lift us with your words and your kind deeds in service to persons infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.
Love and Blessings,
Kenneth
Thank you for using your talents to bless people affected by HIV/AIDS. Truly God brings blessings out of sadness. May God bless you with the strength to continue your ministry.
Rachel
every body need your work