We just spotted this article from Examiner.com and felt compelled to share it; amongst the turmoil that Haiti is in right now, remember to spare a thought for those who are suffering from long term illnesses such as HIV/AIDS, as these individuals will be finding it increasingly difficult to access any treatments or medications during a period in which not even basic essentials such as food and water will be available.
As Haiti Suffers From The Earthquake So Do Their HIV/AIDS Sufferers
Examiner.com
25/01/2010
Joyce Vaughn
As Haiti suffers from the earthquake so do their HIV/AIDS sufferers. With so many dead, so many hurt, cities, towns, buildings destroyed, and roadways demolished, there is difficulty-getting help to those in need in Haiti. So many humanitarian groups from all over the world including the U.S., China, France, and Cuba to name a few are helping. The International Red Cross is one of the largest contributors presently, but more help is needed.
Basic needs like water, food, and shelter are a necessity as well as providing medical care to those who have suffered injuries from the quake. But what about those with chronic illnesses that have survived the quake? What about those who are living with HIV/AIDS? It stands to wonder if preparations are being made for them since they require specialized medical care?
At one time, the United States CDC (Center for Disease Control) greatly offended Haiti by listing them along with hemophilia, homosexuality, and heroin use as risk factors for HIV/AIDS. At the time, it had a nickname of “the 4 H’s.” The rationale behind this premise was the slum squalor and the fact that so many natives where still relying on “Voodoo” ceremonies helped create the blight. The mid 1980’s brought about a change of thought from the CDC, and they amended their risk factors for HIV/AIDS, and removed Haiti from the list. By then it was too late for Haiti, their main commerce was tourism, and it had ceased to exist.
GHEISKO (Haitian Group for the Study of Kaposi’s Sarcoma and Opportunistic Infections) was created about two months prior to HIV/AIDS having a name. Dr. Jean W. Pape, a Haitian born Cornell educated physician, helped to create GHEISKO in 1982. Dr. Paul Farmer, chairman of Harvard’s global health department, who also helped to establish the Boston-based Partners in Health (PIH), and Dr. Pape were honored with the French Legion of Honor for their works in HIV/AIDS. These two clinics established in Haiti have provided and instituted the most progressive and innovative treatment for HIV/AIDS and have aided the country in decreasing their rate of HIV/AIDS to 2.2 according to UNAIDS. Although the PIH estimates that in the Artibonite Valley, where they have two clinics set up, that the estimated infection rate is 4.5.
Therefore, as the various basic needs for survival are being met, one must not forget the need for treatment that over 18,000 Haitians need that are living with HIV/AIDS. These people that are living with the disease need their specific medical regimen as well as their basic needs met.
How does this article make you feel? Remember, just because Haiti is over the worst of the earthquakes, there is still a huge need for financial and humanitarian support, so give all you can to our partner organisation – UNICEF’s Haiti Appeal on the following link: http://www.unicef.org.uk/give/index.asp?page=39
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