In my blog this week I want to talk about the issue of our QOTW and whether I would want my son or daughter to go to a party that I knew HIV+ children would be at. I would never hold my children back from going for a couple important reasons. The first is because I would not want to teach my children that those HIV+ children are any different them. I would want them to treat every peer the same regardless of race, gender, sex, or health condition. Second, I would want to use the opportunity to teach my children about HIV and how it is really contracted. I would teach them that you cannot get HIV from shaking someone’s hand or giving someone a hug. You cannot get HIV by drinking after someone or getting coughed on.
In the movies we watched (AIDS in America, Common Threads, and Silverlake Life) we were taught of the stigma that came along with having HIV. These individuals were mocked and treated unkindly because many people were uneducated about HIV. Even our presidents were unaware of the seriousness of its spread. I believe the first step in helping cure HIV is getting awareness of it out to the public. Rallies and benefit events are great ways to do this.
I actually had my friend that turned out HIV+ watch Common Threads with me. It saddened me to hear that she had NEVER of these event to recognize people that have died of AIDS. I saw tears roll down her eyes because she felt that she might one day be on a panel. I reassured her that we would fight this, and she would be a survivor. Comfort and companionship is definitely something HIV+ individuals are looking for. I feel so blessed to be able to inform her daily of things I’m learning, because she has told me repeatedly how much it has helped her through this.
Did You Know
“When a mother has HIV, the dangers of not breastfeeding must be balanced against the risk of HIV transmission (HIV and breastfeeding, 2009).” Thinking about this is one way to prevent the spread of HIV. According the Advert.org, deciding to not breastfeed if you have HIV outweighs the consequences of breastfeeding and maybe infecting your child with HIV (HIV and breastfeeding, 2009). “Among women who are infected with HIV and receiving no antiretroviral treatment or other interventions, breastfeeding for two or more years can double the rate of mother-to-child transmission to around 40% (the rest of the transmission occurs during pregnancy, labour and delivery) (HIV and breastfeeding, 2009).” This is a serious matter. Breastfeeding when you knowingly have HIV is extremely dangerous for your child.
Also did you know that Japan is trying to support prevention of HIV/AIDS by offering free HIV testing yet only 50,000 people annual are getting tested (Japan’s Response to the Spread of HIV/AIDS, 2004).One of the reasons for low HIV testing rates is the limited office hours of local health centers, which are open only during daytime hours and weekdays and require appointments (Japan’s Response to the Spread of
HIV/AIDS, 2009).” This problem is also in a lot of other countries, including the United States.
ADD ON:
The law concerning HIV confidentiality in Japan is under the National Guidelines for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Care issued by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare that states, “Respect for Human Rights: Protect the basic human rights of people living with HIV/AIDS and their rights to privacy and confidentiality. Coordinate efforts between the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Labour, and the Ministry of Justice to abolish discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS. On the medical front, provide treatment based on informed consent and respect for the individual (Japan’s Response to the Spread of HIV/AIDS,2004).” Therefore, Japan has great concentration on making sure HIV/AIDS patients have complete confidentiality in regards to their condition.
HIV and breastfeeding. (2009). Retrieved September 10, 2009, from the official Advert.org Website: thehttp://www.avert.org/abc-hiv.htm
Japan’s Response to the Spread of HIV/AIDS (2004). Japan Center for International Exchange Tokyo: The Japan Center for International Exchange. Retrieved on October 14, 2009 from http://www.jcie.or.jp/thinknet/pdfs/hiv.pdf
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Sounds like Japan has adopted the UNAIDS recommendations on how to treat individuals who are HIV positive. I'm surprised to learn that the hours for testing are so narrow. Their health care system allows them to see doctors without appointments, so it surprised me to see they have to have one to get tested.
ReplyDeleteSounds to me that Japan is very consious of the right thing to do. It makes me feel confident that peoples values are still taken into account. Good Job I would have never thought about doing Japan just because Asians rank about 1% of HIV/AIDS.
ReplyDeleteI feel similar to the way you feel in that I would let my child go to the party, but see this as an opportunity to educate them on HIV/AIDS. That individuals with this disease are not different from other individuals and that we should not discriminate against people with HIV/AIDS. Moreover, that is interesting that Japan offers free HIV testing, but only a certain amount of people are taking advantage of this testing.
ReplyDeleteJaime, after searching all over for myself to find a place to get HIV tested for free I am too so shocked that so little people are taking advantage of free HIV testing.
ReplyDeleteJenna, I'm following your blogs every week in following your friends status. I'm sure you read my introduction into this blog world so you know of my brother. I think that just as Japan has done in providing free testing we should find the money to do the same here. There's a saying in the sales industry that pops into my mind... "If you make them pay for it, it will mean more to them than if you gave it to them for free". Now in saying that, we in the U.S. have a sales mentality and even if its given to us for free we don't accept it with open arms. There's always a conspiracy behind free. I'm guilty of it and ended up paying for my test. Oh well, maybe someone can benefit from having the possibility to be tested for free. I know that I can afford it so it shouldn't matter but for people who can't Japan is right on point. I just wish Mexico would hop on board. Tell your friend the sky is the limit and to not sell her self short of expectations and goals! laterz
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