AIDS: Remember and commit

Guided by: -

Dr S. Vijaya Professor of OG, ESIC Medical College, Chennai

OGSSI/FOGSI member

Memory is powerful. Humankind’s collective remembrance of traumatic events cautions it regarding progress and asks it to be considerate. The HIV/AIDS outbreak in the 20^th century shook the medical community, and the world at large. The disease, which spread from Sub-Saharan Africa to the western hemisphere drastically altered healthcare protocols. Countries issued travel bans against those with AIDS and doctors paid more attention to personal hygiene. From a preventive health aspect, behaviours such as intravenous drug abuse and promiscuity came under focus. But others, said the disease was divine punishment, for mankind’s many misbehaviours. This author’s opinion that providence is all merciful and will not slight at humanity’s drawbacks. And hence, remembering is prime. Remembering the medical workers who got infected, remembering of the scientist who worked sleepless nights and of course, remembering those patients who were subject to clinical trials.

That notwithstanding, the fact that humanity has been able to respond is heartwarming. Drugs were developed soon, and many doctors, bearing all odds went up against the virus. This brings the solution to light - commitment. It is important for us to commit. For doctors to commit to treat without stigma and to operate on infected patients. It is important for public health experts to commit - to work against substance abuse, to promote safe sex, to administer prophylaxis and to educate. But most importantly, we must commit as a race - to holistic progress - where no one is left behind; and thus, we must remember and commit.