When Silence Kills

2005-06-30T00:10:00.000-07:00

Article: When Silence Kills
Magazine: Time

This article basically talks about the large problem of AIDS in India and what could be some potential obstcales that could hinder India in its efforts to confront the deadly epidemic. One of the biggest problem that India faces is the fact that people simply refuse to acknowledge the sheer magnitude of the problem. Others feel that the US is just giving India a bad name by mentioning that the total number affected by the virus could be anywhere from 5 million to 15 million. Rather than to concede, many choose to downplay the figures to save India from the conception that it is land of sexual promiscuity.

If the mindset of Indians are not changed quickly, the problem of AIDs could prove to be far more disastrous than anyone can imagine. What Indians need to do is to come to terms with reality, instead of denying that a disaster is looming in the horizon. To not lie under a blanket of secrecy and to openly face the problem is the only way. Even with Bill Gates pledging millions to the cause of AIDS stoppage, many still feel very skeptical. Many don't feel that sex education is accpetable, and the promotion of condoms only serves to further enhance the already tarnished image of India.

Mentioning that one has AIDS would surely lead to social stigma immediately. This doesn't help the situation where the talk of AIDS is almost taboo. To promote safe sex and abstinence, many campaigners are trying to get the influential Bollywood stars inflicted with the virus to share their misery, so that people may become more aware of it. Unfortunately, practically every attempt has been to no avail.

Another large hindrance in the fight against AIDS is the reluctance of the wealthy Indian corporations to come forward and offer enough money for the war against AIDS. Many are willing to offer office space for the campaigning, but most of the funds are still coming from foreign soucres.

To end this of, another problem could be that a lot more funds have been pumped into producing treatment for the AIDS virus instead. for producing a vaccine. This may sound illogical as prevention always sounds better cure but try telling this to the millions already suffering from the virus and the response will be very different. So with this all said I am seeking additional opinions.

1) Is India's inability to accpet the enormity of the issue at hand, the biggest impediment to stopping the spread of the epidemic?
2) Should more money be pumped into treatment or vaccine?

Ok see you guys around and yeah tell me what you think.

Do you feel that the singaporean government provides enough for the poor in Sinagpore

2005-05-16T00:52:00.000-07:00

Well i guess you know now, this is my second blog and i'm only starting this because i want to hear peoples' opinions over certain issuses.

Well i just got out from hospital after having gone for an operation because of a torn ligament. I was in the ward with a lot of people and well i guess this means that they are quite poor and cannot afford the single room wards. Anyway, yeah i heard some poor old man talking to his friend about how he was gonig to pay for all his medical bills. He leg just got chopped off, well amputated actually and yeah so i guess he'll be out of work.. Well anyway this just brought to my attention about health care services in Singapore. Well respond to the title and tell me your view points. Don't use this as an example, just from your friends and family and your own experiences. Thanks guys!

selon a tout le monde

When Silence Kills

Do you feel that the singaporean government provides enough for the poor in Sinagpore