it is after i happened to attend the National Youth Forum (NYF), which had invited a speaker from Actions for AIDS, did i realize how superficial my knowledge on AIDS i had. they showed us a video clip of almost every aspect of AIDS, - how it spreads, how it affects the person, what those affected felt, what problems they encountered, how the loved ones of those affected felt, how they felt when the person had passed away, etc. it was somewhat interesting yet saddening and heavy to the heart.
my heart really goes out to the parties that have contracted it unknowingly i.e. the women and children. the betrayal, the anger, the sadness, the hurt, the pain, the helplessness can be seen in their eyes. some of these initial human emotions that spill out from the shocking truth, may never disappear or fade. even medical treatment is a difficult journey to travel and a very expensive one too. especially when sometimes medication can cost up to $8,000/month. everytime they pop a pill, it becomes a reminder. reminder to some of how painful it is, or to some how shameful and stupid they have been. it really is a test on their inner strength and how much will they have to live.
but even if this big mistake can cause a domino effect and what not, it doesn't mean these people have to be prisoners for life. everybody makes mistakes. most try to change and do as much good, to overshadow their past offences. it takes much courage, determination and perseverance to pull through the initial stages to 'gain' others' respect. we should try to give them as much support as we can, especially financially. some states give AIDS/HIV patients full free medical treatment to those who really cannot afford it - well, Singapore isnt one of those states. if they are remorseful and are genuinely willing to change, cant we make their life sentence easier to accept and their crosses easier to carry? we don't need to shun them, despise them or ostracize them. it might take some time, but cant we help them in trying to fit them back into our society? move us towards a more forgiving one?
even in the midst of giving them the support, we should also enrich ourselves with more knowledge upon this important issue and spread the word that unprotected sex should not be practiced. that we should be loyal to our sexual partner. we should all do our part as a citizen of not only Singapore, but of the world, on the war against AIDS/HIV. if everyone of us plays apart, those unaffected by the disease and those who unfortunately are, then maybe one day it'll be wiped out - like small pox. just maybe.
to those who have tried and are still trying, never stop trying. never give up.
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