As the saying goes, you're either 'infected or affected'. There is no need to go into explanations 
about how the HIV/AIDs issue pervades societies around the globe, touching the lives of everyone from unborn babies to old people.
Last night I was at the 2006 International AIDs Candlelight Memorial (concert and candlelight walk) in Arima. I had been asked by a friend who was organising the event to do a candlelight display in one of the tents (see here for that story). Whilst there, I was chatting with someone who said that she had invited someone she knew to come to the event. The person had adamantly declined, saying she did not want attend anything involving "those dirty people". The thing is, unbeknownst to her, the person sitting next to her at work may be 'one of those dirty people'. (God forbid) she may be one and may not even know it if she has not been tested. And what if her best friend became 'a drity person' - would he or she cease to be a best friend? Would her sister cease to be her blood relative simpy because of 'dirty' status?
It is for this very reason (and others) that events such as HIV/AIDs candlelight memorials are held annually. Those who have been lost to AIDs are remembreed and honoured, support is shown to those currently living with the virus, community awareness is raised and attempts are made to decrease associated stigmas. Overall, it is hoped by organisers of these events that communities will become more involved in the fight against the disease.
Which brings us to the big question: what is the real disease? HIV/AIDs or ignorance and prejudice?
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