Last weekend I participated in the first training course on HIV/AIDS for the Americas at the medical school of Universidad de Chile. Although it was only three days, it proved to be very comprehensive and the organization of the course was very effective (also, I had not yet been part of something, in Chile, that was so punctual!). Each day consisted of lectures and presentations from doctors, professors and other experts, with each discourse focusing on a different theme. Topics ranged from the history of AIDS and the how it has become an epidemic disease, to the mechanisms of HIV at the cellular level and the biological manifestations of AIDS. There was also emphasis on the social issues surrounding the disease (for example, privacy issues, counseling for those afflicted with the disease and the use of the condom) and the measures that need to be taken to prevent the continuing spread of the disease (for example, again, the use of the condom).
So, from everything I learned, I am going to highlight one major point… USE A CONDOM! Condoms are multi-functional; they serve as contraceptives as well as protection against nasty infections and viruses (like HIV). It was not until I started working with EPES that I became informed about all of the health and reproductive rights issues surrounding their use. Issues such as, how it is a woman’s right for a man to use a condom, or how a couple, even if they are “in love” and have had exclusive relations for years, should always continue to use a condom, thus preventing the possible consequences of infidelity or other problems. Condoms spark many controversial issues (especially in many religions), but, as was presented in this course, there is no denying their effectiveness, when they are used correctly.
AIDS is a fascinating disease, in many respects. The most fascinating part, it is completely eradicable (even without a cure, even without a vaccine). Also, with antiretroviral therapy, it is much more controllable and those with AIDS are living much longer… we just need to stop and prevent the spread of it! So, how do we protect ourselves?
1. Use a condom.
2. Refrain from sharing syringes (actually, let’s just not do drugs).
3. Get tested.
Of course, I understand it is not that simple and I understand there are other ways to become infected. The horrors of rape, the devastation of poverty, and the lack of education and resources for most of the population of the world, make it presumably inevitable that AIDS will continue to wreck havoc on our species for many, many years to come… or, at least, until that long awaited cure is finally discovered. The most important thing we all can do, now, is educate and spread awareness about the disease and support those who suffering the harsh reality of the illness.
The course was really good though, and I am glad I participated in it; I learned an exorbitant amount of information and I was able to enhance my Spanish vocabulary. By participating, I also discovered another organization to inquire about volunteering with, called Vivo Positivo (I Live Positive). The organization is involved in prevention efforts against the disease through education, supporting and counseling those with HIV/AIDS, raising awareness about gender issues and how they relate to the spread of HIV/AIDS, and doing research in many areas surrounding the virus and the disease. It would be a great place to be involved with, especially since it is HIV/AIDS issues and prevention projects that I am looking to pursue.
Finally, to “wrap it up,” taking this course also made me really excited about going to grad school and returning to the academic setting! Of course, depending on how I did on the exam (which was ridiculously more difficult than I had been expecting), I will update you on how I continue feel about that…
