Despite educational measures, the HIV-AIDS crisis continues to grow. Infection rates for many population groups in the United States are still on the rise. According to a comprehensive study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this summer, HIV infection rates are close to their highest levels ever, particularly for the population between the ages of 18 and 24.
That is why more needs to be done at Georgetown to address HIV concerns for students. To its credit, Georgetown offered free, anonymous testing last week, which was a positive first step. The CDC estimates that at least one in three people with HIV does not know he or she is infected. But the University needs to continue providing free, anonymous testing to its students and the community on a regular basis. Anonymous testing is a necessity so that students who are infected can determine what course of action to follow before their insurance companies decide for them.
Beyond testing, more needs to be done to address HIV and AIDS on a social level. Most people know how HIV is transmitted?mainly through needles or unprotected sex. Sex education is a useful method of preventing HIV transmission, but by itself it is losing effectiveness. Many of the reasons HIV infection rates continue to grow are social ones. HIV is not just a health concern, it is a social one as well.
People need to understand that simply because AIDS-related deaths are declining does not mean HIV infection rates are slowing. While contracting HIV is no longer an immediate death sentence, HIV pill regimens are costly and have severe health effects.
The international AIDS crisis is far worse. In some parts of Africa, almost one in three men is affected. Millions of children are infected through pregnancies to HIV-positive mothers. Access to medication is rare.
That is why the United States and its citizens must make a concentrated effort to combat this growing crisis. The stability of these countries that suffer from rising HIV infection rates should be of immediate concern to the United States. Every American who is against funding family planning and sex education is contributing to the deaths of millions. America needs to devote serious resources to HIV-AIDS education.
The United States also must consider how best to get HIV-AIDS medication to the millions who need it. Few people in the United States can afford the expensive drug regimens without insurance. In foreign countries, the drugs are entirely unattainable. The United States must explore alternatives including subsidizing drugs, forcing companies to sell them cheaper, and even voiding the drug company’s patents. The citizens of the United States must recognize that drastic options might be necessary in a fight to prevent tens of millions of deaths.
