BBC reports that 20 million pounds are going to Zimbabwe to slow the AIDS endemic there. This is fantastic news.

One statement,

People should not die because they have sex.

I agree with whole heartedly, however, I do think that more should be done to address some of the cultural issues regarding sex and transmission of AIDS. For instance, in many Sub-Saharan African tribes, people believe that having sex with a virgin will cure them. When I say believe, they believe it as I would believe in gravity. It is a cultural folk belief that takes a lot to alter.

I would also want to have sexual promiscuity addressed, especially from truckers who take rural prostitutes and spread the disease throughout the breadth of the Sub-Saharan region.

The article did mention that the money will go to promote a de-stigmatization of AIDS, which is a fantastic goal. It will take more than money and propaganda to do this, but it is a start. We have not even done that on our own home-front, but again, the stigma is a major issue in the fight to halt AIDS and I'm glad people are pursuing it.

This quote,

There has been progress in Zimbabwe over the last few years, with the HIV rate falling, particularly amongst vulnerable young women.

is fantastic news. Praise God for the work being done and I hope that more and more people recognize this need.

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